Gov’t launches nationwide rice survey to boost production, cut import bill by Ksh.56B

The government has commissioned a National Baseline Survey for Rice Production as part of efforts to increase local rice output and reduce the country’s dependence on imports.

The survey, launched under the Rice Deficit Reduction Programme, will collect data to guide interventions aimed at improving rice production across major irrigation schemes and emerging rice-growing areas in the country.

Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho made the announcement on Thursday in response to remarks made by Irrigation Secretary in charge of Land Reclamation, Climate Resilience and Irrigation Water Management Joel Tanui, saying the exercise will provide reliable information to support planning and investment in the irrigation sector.

According to PS Kimotho, the survey will assess acreage under rice farming, irrigation infrastructure, water availability, mechanisation levels, seed varieties, farmer productivity, post-harvest handling and market access.

The findings are expected to guide policy decisions, resource allocation and implementation of targeted interventions under the Rice Deficit Reduction Programme.

“The survey findings will further provide a strong foundation for the implementation of strategic interventions under the Rice Deficit Reduction Program, whose objective is to enhance national rice production, strengthen food security, improve farmer livelihoods, and reduce the country’s dependence on rice imports,” the PS stated.

The government noted that Kenya currently faces an annual rice deficit of about 700,000 metric tonnes, forcing the country to spend more than Ksh.56 billion annually on imports.

Through the Rice Intensification Programme, the State Department for Irrigation aims to bridge the deficit by expanding and modernising irrigation infrastructure, improving water management and promoting climate-smart farming technologies.

The programme is also expected to support farmers in irrigation schemes across the country while contributing to the government’s broader agenda on food security and climate resilience.