A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said the sum was approved after the region made representation to Minister of Agriculture Robert for assistance for additional irrigation for farmlands. It said too the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is currently working with the region and farmers groups to undertake critical works to conserve irrigation water for crops and livestock rearing.
Work is also ongoing to tap an additional source of irrigation water from the Lima Sands area which will be distributed to farmlands via the main irrigation canal. To support this project, the NDIA has provided four 30-inch diameter HDPE tubes to channel water from the swamp to the main irrigation canal.
Further, the National Dairy Development Programme is undertaking a countrywide assessment of the needs of cattle and other small ruminant farmers to ensure that they have access to water. It has already excavated a number of canals both for irrigation of crops and provision of water to animals, while efforts are being made to extend support to other affected areas.
GINA said the ministry will continue its support to other farming communities and along with stakeholders undertake the necessary interventions to ensure that water is available.
