President Ruto yesterday commissioned the Changachicha Irrigation Project, an irrigation project aimed at enhancing the production of high-value commercial crops such as onions, tomatoes, carrots, and vegetables.

The gravity-fed irrigation project which covers an area of 500 acres and benefits 1600 households, supports the growing of high-value commercial vegetables such as cabbages, kale, tomatoes, spinach, and carrots by farmers in the region using a sprinkler irrigation system.

With an intake works and conveyance of 5840 M long, the Changachicha irrigation project has an overall work progress of 100%.

 This project will contribute to household food security and increase in export, in line with the Agricultural transformation goals of the Bottom up Economic Transformation Agenda, BETA plan.

Speaking at the commissioning event, President Ruto emphasized on his relentless support on matters irrigation for climate resilience, food security and reducing food import bills, which currently total at 500 billion shillings per year. The President also spoke of the additional financing to boost the project, with the focus to complete other irrigation projects within Nyeri County including Norumoru before June

The government is committed to scaling up of irrigation for agriculture, which is aimed at ensuring that the country produces enough food not just for its own use but for exportation as well.

 President Ruto’s government is making an intentional shift from reliance on rain-fed farming which spurs the cultivation of high-value crops that will boost farmers’ earnings.