Nyatike Farmers Break Records with Massive Rice Harvest

In Summary

• Nyatike farmers achieve record rice harvest, surpassing 6 tonnes per hectare.
• Over 16,000 farmers benefit from KSh 28 million in certified seeds and support.
• Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme drives success with high-yield, drought-resistant varieties.
• Harvest expected to generate KSh 500 million for local economy.
• Challenges include delayed payments and tractor shortages.
• County plans to expand irrigation and market linkages by 2026.

Farmers in Nyatike, Migori County, have been lauded for a record-breaking rice harvest, yielding over 6 tonnes per hectare at the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme, according to the Migori County Department of Agriculture. The achievement, celebrated at a farmers’ forum on July 25, 2025, follows the distribution of KSh 28 million worth of certified rice seeds to 16,000 farmers across 13,000 acres in 2024, marking a significant leap from previous yields of 4 tonnes per hectare.

Migori County Agriculture Executive Jacob Otieno praised the farmers’ adoption of modern techniques. “Nyatike’s success shows what’s possible with certified seeds, irrigation, and training,” he said, noting the use of drought-resistant varieties like IRRI-6 and agroforestry practices. The harvest is projected to inject KSh 500 million into the local economy, benefiting farmers in areas like Lower Kuja and Macalder.

Farmer Gorrety Omondi, a beneficiary of the county’s support, credited integrated farming for her success. “I used to lose crops to drought, but now my rice paddies thrive alongside cassava and moringa,” she said. The county’s provision of affordable tractor services and rainwater harvesting systems has boosted productivity, with 200 farmers receiving 1,000 kg of certified seeds in 2024 alone.

Despite the milestone, challenges persist. Peter Ochar, a rice farmer, highlighted delayed payments from buyers like the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC). “We wait months for payment, which delays planting,” he said. Tractor shortages during peak seasons also hinder timely land preparation, forcing some farmers to plant late.

The Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme, revitalized with support from the National Irrigation Authority, has enabled year-round farming, reducing reliance on erratic rains. However, farmers called for stronger cooperatives and better market access to sustain gains.

The county government plans to expand irrigation infrastructure and link farmers to regional markets by 2026, aiming to make Nyatike a model for rice production in Kenya’s arid regions. The success has drawn attention from agricultural experts, with plans to replicate the model in other dryland areas.