Farmers raise alarm over snail invasion threatening Mwea rice production

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has accused the government of failing to support rice farmers despite the heavy taxes they pay.

Speaking in Ngurubani town on Thursday, Karua said it was unacceptable that the government was importing rice instead of protecting local producers.

“It is sad to see rice farmers reducing their acreage because of snails while the government continues to import rice, adding to the suffering of Mwea farmers,” she said.

Karua added that it is the government’s responsibility to assist farmers, many of whom have expressed frustration over unsuccessful attempts to control the pests.

Farmers in Mwea have tried using strong chemicals to eliminate the snails, but the efforts have yielded little success.

The snails were first reported in 2019, and farmers now fear they could also contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases.

According to local farmers, the pests attack rice at the seedling stage in nurseries and continue damaging the crop even after transplanting.

“We are wondering what the government is waiting for,” said Moses Waweru, a farmer in the scheme.

Rice farmers, led by Paul Wainaina from the Tebere section, say they have endured multiple challenges over the years, including snail invasions, quelea birds, lack of clean water, cheap rice imports that undercut local Pishori rice, and poor road infrastructure within the scheme. He noted that leaders have done little to address their concerns.

“The time we elect leaders who understand the suffering of rice farmers is the time we will be helped,” said Purity Muthoni from the Karaba section.

Some farmers have resorted to sourcing potentially hazardous chemicals from neighbouring countries in a desperate attempt to control the infestation.

“It is worrying that farmers are turning to chemicals from Uganda that have been flagged as dangerous. They have no other option, and this may backfire on them,” said Jinaro Namu Jamumo, Deputy Speaker of the Kirinyaga County Assembly.

He added that the government has yet to provide a sustainable solution to the persistent snail problem.