By Elijah Gichunge
Photo; Anncieta Mukiri

CS Ministry of Agriculture, Mwangi Kiunjuri has said his ministry has started a program for transiting citizens from rain fed agriculture to water agriculture, through rain water harvesting mechanisms that will support small holder farmers.

Speaking when he launched the Nguthiru Laingo water Pan in Tigania West, Kiunjuri said the program is implemented through construction of water pans, whose capacity range between 1000m³ and 3000m³

Kiunjuri added that Meru County is among the program's beneficiary. He said 400 households in Tigania West and more than 500 in Buuri are benefiting from water pans and that more will be constructed by June this year to reach a 1000 water pans target. This will put more than 2000 acres of land under water agriculture.

Further, he said his ministry is working closely with the County Government to promote propagation of high value crops for job creation and better incomes.

Deputy Governor Titus Ntuchiu, thanked the national Government for continued multi sectoral development support , that is immensely benefiting the people of Meru.

Ntuchiu added the county is greatly benefiting from a number of Water Pans, especially in Tigania West and Buuri Sub counties. He added that the dams under construction will be a big boost to irrigated agriculture within the County.

He said through such cordial relationship, water will no longer be a challenge within the county by the year 2022.

CEC Water and Irrigation, Dr. Eunice Nkirote said the County has been on the forefront to provide water by enhancing the use of ground water, rain water harvesting, as well as Community water projects.

Her Colleague in charge of Agriculture, Prof. Karwitha urged the residents to practice agribusiness for increased incomes which will lead to improved livelihoods.

She hinted that if used well, the 1000m³ Pan can serve about 80 households, putting a 100 acres and 140 acres of land using traditional and drip irrigation practices respectively, under agriculture.

Area Mp. Dr. Mutunga who is the Chair Agriculture Committee in the National Assembly, praised the two tiers of Governments' partnership that has brought forth more benefits to the people of Meru.

Nguthiru Laingo Water Pan adds to the list of water harvesting projects in the county and is expected to serve about 1500 people.