Media Alert: Go Africa & the Bunyala Rice Irrigation Project (Kenya) moves forward.
Below is a summary of the events from meetings held on 11-09, and 11-10-2021.
The vision of the 360 Degree Rice to Market initiative moves forward.
Bunyala Rice Irrigation Scheme is set for full mechanization following
an existing partnership initiated by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce Busia Chapter between Go Africa Limited and Bunyala Rice Scheme-Cooperative Societies.
KNCCI Busia Chapter Chairman, Sylvanus Abungu said the collaboration is aimed at mechanizing the scheme, increase production, achieve high quality yields, set up Modern Rice Milling Plant, Packaging and provide Market for the produce across Go-Africa’s Global Markets.
Mr Abungu was addressing the press outside the County headquarters after leading delegations from Indigenous GoAfrica Limited and Indigo Global Development which had paid a courtesy call to the Office of the Governor.
” Under the partnership, Go Africa will supply farmers with branded fertilizer and have soils tested, mechanization of the scheme to remove rudimentary method that has been operational for over five decades,” Mr Abungu said.
He added that the partnership will target value additions with installation of ultra modern rice milling plant.
Go Africa CEO, Dr Hillary Akhaabi said their aim is to settle for one rice variety which is appealing and to enhance the capacity of farmers to empower them.
CECM Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Moses Osia said that mechanization of the Bunyala rice scheme will meet the big four agenda on agriculture, noting that the value chain of rice will be met.
” Their is need to get high yield rice variety to enable farmers increase rice production even five fold,” he said, and urged the investor to cover other rice-growing regions of Teso North, Teso South and Nambale.
Deputy County Secretary, Evalyne Ikwii said there are big gaps in rice production, thus the need for a paradigm shift to venture into value addition.
Trade Executive, Judith Maketso regretted that Mwea rice scheme was using Bunyala rice which is very unique to blend theirs.
The delegation later proceeded to Bunyala Irrigation Scheme for field visits and further engagements with farmers.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to form yet another strategic partnership that will bring about a boost in the productivity levels of smallholder farmers across Kenya,” said Jehiel Oliver, CEO & Founder, Hello Tractor. “We’re confident that this partnership will yield positive results within Kenya’s agricultural sector, hereby supporting the fight against hunger and enhancing global food security.”