Rice Farming in Kenya: A Guide for Farmers

If you want a profitable agricultural venture in Kenya, try rice farming. 

It is a profitable venture for people wanting to grow crops.

This article will show you how to pick good rice varieties and deal with the usual problems.

Introduction to Rice Farming in Kenya

Rice is now a staple food in Kenya. 

As a result, paddy farming has become a profitable farming venture. 

So, it gives good money to farmers.

Mwea, Ahero, West Kano, South West Kano, and Bunyala are ideal for growing rice in Kenya.

These regions are great for growing rice because they have good weather and irrigation systems.

Asians introduced rice cultivation in the early 1900s.

In the ’50s, farmers launched large-scale rice production by establishing irrigation schemes, including the Mwea Irrigation Scheme.

Today, the Kenyan government acknowledges the importance of rice in food security and has created supportive policies to increase its local production.

The National Rice Development Plan (NRDP) wants to boost rice cultivation in our country and lessen the need to buy it from other places.

Varieties of Rice Grown in Kenya

Kenyan farmers grow different varieties of rice. 

These varieties are ideal in different places.

Some popular varieties.

Basmati 370

Basmati 370 is a long-grain. It is an aromatic rice variety used in cooking. 

It’s well-adapted to the Mwea region and has a growth duration of about 150 days.

IR 2793 (Sindano)

Sindano is a high-yielding variety. This variety is resistant to pests and diseases. 

It matures in about 120-130 days and is suitable for various rice-growing areas in Kenya.

Nerica Rice Varieties

New Rice for Africa (Nerica) varieties are interspecific hybrids. 

They have traits of African and Asian rice species. 

They offer good yield potential, and early maturity, and are tolerant to various stresses.

BW196 (Pishori)

Pishori is a premium aromatic rice variety. This variety is popular in the Mwea region. 

It is a great grain and fetches higher prices in the market, making it a favorite among farmers and consumers.

When you buy a rice variety, consider yield potential, grain quality, growth duration, and suitability to your specific agro-ecological zone. 

Consult local agricultural extension officers for guidance on the best varieties for your area.

Climatic and Soil Requirements

Rice grows well in warm, humid conditions with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. 

Most rice-growing regions in Kenya have these favorable conditions, particularly the lowland areas.

The ideal soil for rice farming

• Loamy with good water retention capacity
• Well-drained to prevent waterlogging
• Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0)

Water management is important in rice farming. 

Most rice varieties require a consistent water supply throughout their growth cycle. 

Rice cultivation relies heavily on irrigation systems in Kenya. 

For example, there is the famous Mwea Irrigation Scheme playing an important role in sustaining rice paddies.

Tana River is an important source of water for rice farming. 

Proper water management leads to good growth and also controls weed and nutrient uptake.

Land Preparation for Rice Farming

Proper land preparation is extremely important. 

It produces high yields.

Steps to follow to prepare a field.

1. Clear the land of vegetation and debris.
2. Plow the field to a depth of 15-20 cm to loosen the soil.
3. Harrow the field to break down soil clods and create a fine tilth.
4. Level the field to ensure uniform water distribution.
5. Create bunds (earthen ridges) around the field to retain water.

Proper land preparation facilitates good crop establishment, efficient water use, and easier management throughout the growing season.

For the transplanting method, prepare raised seed beds for nursery establishment.

However, for direct seeding, ensure the field is well-leveled and free of weeds.

Good land setup helps plants start well, saves water, and makes crops grow well.

Planting Rice in Kenya

The first step in successful rice planting is selecting high-quality certified seeds.

Treat the seeds with the right fungicides to prevent seed-borne diseases.

There are two main methods of planting rice in Kenya.

Transplanting method

1. Establish a nursery by sowing seeds in raised beds.
2. After 21-30 days, transplant seedlings into the main field.
3. Plant in rows, maintaining a spacing of 20 cm between rows and 15-20 cm between plants.

Direct seeding method

1. Sow seeds directly in the prepared field, either by broadcasting or drilling.
2. Ensure even distribution of seeds and proper seed-to-soil contact.

The best time to plant varies by location and the amount of rainfall. In rain-fed areas, plant them at the start of the rainy season.

Pro Tip: For better germination and establishment, pre-soak the seeds for 24 hours before planting.

Water Management and Irrigation Systems

Effective water management is important. 

Proper water management ensures high yields.

Both irrigated and rain-fed rice cultivation systems are practiced in Kenya.

Irrigated rice farming

Flood irrigation is the most common method.

Fields are flooded 5-10 cm deep for most of the growing season. 

This approach is commonly used in Mwea and Ahero.

Farmers use this in rice grown on hills as it doesn’t sit in flat water.

Furrow irrigation is sometimes used in upland rice cultivation. 

Water is channeled through furrows between raised beds.

Rain-fed rice farming

In areas with sufficient rainfall, farmers practice rain-fed rice farming. 

However, this system requires careful water conservation techniques.

Water management tips.

• Maintain a water depth of 2-5 cm during the vegetative stage.
• Increase water depth to 5-10 cm during the reproductive stage.
• Drain the field 10-15 days before harvesting to facilitate ripening and ease harvesting.

Pro Tip: Implement water-saving techniques – alternate wetting and drying (AWD) to improve water use efficiency without compromising yield.

Nutrient Management

Proper nutrient care is important in rice growing. 

Kenyan rice farmers blend chemical fertilizers with natural manure.

These rich nutrients are used to feed rice plants.

Inorganic fertilizers

The main nutrients for rice are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). 

Apply these fertilizers based on soil test results and crop requirements.

• Basal application: Apply P and K fertilizers during land preparation.
• Top-dressing: Apply N fertilizer in split doses at critical growth stages (tillering, panicle initiation, and heading).

Recommended fertilizer rates (adjusted based on soil tests).

• N: 80-120 kg/ha
• P: 30-60 kg/ha
• K: 30-60 kg/ha

Organic manures

Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-composted farmyard manure before planting to improve soil structure and fertility.

Test the soil regularly. Soil maintains the best nutrient levels. 

Consult local agricultural extension officers for specific fertilizer recommendations based on your soil type and rice variety.

Pro Tip: Practice green manuring by growing legumes – Sesbania or Crotalaria and incorporate them into the soil before planting your rice.

This practice enhances soil fertility naturally.

Weed Management in Rice Farming

Effective weed control is important. Proper weed control maximizes yields.

In Kenyan rice fields, there are 

Wild rice, grassy, and leafy weeds are the common unwanted plants.

Weed management strategies include.

Weed management strategies.

1. Cultural methods

• Proper land preparation and leveling
• Planting on time and maintaining optimal plant density
• Crop rotation to break weed cycles

2. Mechanical control

• Hand weeding
• Use of mechanical weeders in row-planted rice

3. Chemical control

• Pre-emergence herbicides – Butachlor, Pretilachlor
• Post-emergence herbicides – Bispyribac-sodium, 2,4-D

Pro Tip: Integrate multiple weed control methods for the best results. 

Follow the recommended herbicide application rates and safety precautions.

Pest and Disease Control in Rice Farming

Rice crops are susceptible to various pests and diseases in Kenya.

Bugs and sickness often attack pests and diseases.

The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) method is important in combating pests.

So implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for effective control.

Major pests

1. Rice stem borers
2. Rice weevils
3. Leafhoppers

Control measures:

• Use resistant varieties
• Practice crop rotation
• Apply appropriate insecticides when pest populations reach economic thresholds

Common diseases

1. Rice blast
2. Brown spot
3. Bacterial leaf blight

Control measures.

• Plant resistant varieties
• Practice proper field sanitation
• Apply fungicides when necessary

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

• Regular field monitoring
• Use of pheromone traps for pest detection
• Biological control using natural enemies
• Judicious use of pesticides

Pro Tip: Prioritize cultural and biological control methods before resorting to chemical control. 

This approach promotes sustainable farming and reduces the risk of pest resistance.

Harvesting Rice

Harvest your rice at the right time. Timely harvesting maintains the quality of the rice.

Rice is typically ready for harvest when 80-85% of the grains turn golden yellow and the moisture content of the grains is around 20-25%.

Harvesting methods

1. Manual harvesting

• Use sickles to cut the rice stalks
• Suitable for small-scale farmers

2. Mechanical harvesting

• Use of combine harvesters
• Efficient for large-scale production

Post-harvest handling

1. Threshing

• Separate grains from the stalks
• This can be done manually or using mechanical threshers

2. Drying

• Reduce grain moisture content to 14% for safe storage
• Sun-dry on clean surfaces or use mechanical dryers

3. Storage

• Store in clean, dry, and well-ventilated facilities
• Use hermetic bags or silos to prevent pest infestation

Pro Tip: Harvest early in the morning or late evening to minimize grain shattering and cracking.

Rice Processing

There are several stages involved in transforming harvested paddy into marketable rice products.

Let’s explore the stages.

Stages of rice processing

1. Hulling

• Remove the outer husk from the paddy
• Produces brown rice

2. Milling

• Polish brown rice to remove the bran layer
• Produces white rice

3. Grading

• Separate broken grains from whole grains
• Classify rice based on quality

4. Packaging

• Pack processed rice in appropriate containers for the market

Value addition

There are a lot of opportunities for value addition.

Let’s explore the opportunities.

• Production of rice flour
• Rice bran extraction for animal feed
• Parboiled rice production

Challenges faced by farmers rice processing in Kenya.

• Limited access to modern milling equipment
• High energy costs
• Lack of skilled labor for operating and maintaining equipment

Pro Tip: Join or form farmer cooperatives to pool resources for investing in modern processing equipment.

Marketing of Rice in Kenya

Marketing is an important aspect of rice farming in Kenya. 

Without marketing your rice, potential buyers won’t know that you are selling rice.

Marketing increase the returns on your investment.

Let’s explore areas where farmers can market their rice.

Rice demand and consumption trends

Rice consumption in Kenya has steadily increased. 

The increase is ascribed to the changing dietary habits and urbanization. 

The country’s annual rice consumption is estimated at 400,000-500,000 metric tons. 

Although a huge portion is still imported.

Marketing Channels

1. Local markets

• Sell directly to consumers or local traders
• Suitable for small-scale farmers

2. Supermarkets

• Supply packaged rice to retail chains
• Requires consistent quality and supply

3. Institutional buyers

• Supply to schools, hospitals, and other institutions
• Often requires bulk quantities

4. Export markets

• Explore opportunities in neighboring countries
• Requires meeting international quality standards

Role of farmer cooperatives

There are a lot of benefits that come with joining a farmer cooperative.

Let’s explore the benefits.

• Give farmers bargaining power
• Access to better markets and prices
• Shared resources for processing and storage

Pro Tip: Conduct market research to identify top-notch rice varieties.

Challenges Facing Rice Farmers in Kenya

Just like any other agribusiness, rice farming has its challenges.

Farmers face the following challenges.

1. Water scarcity and unreliable irrigation systems
2. High cost of inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides)
3. Post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage facilities
4. Limited access to credit and financial services
5. Competition from cheaper imported rice
6. Climate change impacts (droughts, floods)
7. Pest and disease outbreaks
8. Limited mechanization and modern farming technologies

Farmers can address these challenges through government support, farmer education, and adoption of innovative technologies.

Future Prospects of Rice Farming in Kenya

Indicators show that rice farming has a bright future. 

What are these indicators?

Well, there are several signals.

Let’s explore these indicators.

1. Expansion of irrigated rice schemes

• Government plans to increase the irrigated area for rice production
• Potential for public-private partnerships in irrigation development

2. Adoption of new rice varieties

• Introduction of high-yielding, stress-tolerant varieties
• Development of fortified rice varieties for improved nutrition

3. Mechanization and technology adoption

• Increased use of machinery for land preparation, planting, and harvesting
• Adoption of precision agriculture techniques

4. Climate-smart practices

• Implementation of water-saving technologies
• Promotion of conservation agriculture in rice farming

5. Value addition and product diversification

• Development of rice-based products (e.g., rice milk, rice crackers)
• Exploration of niche markets for organic and specialty rice

Final Thoughts on Rice Farming in Kenya

Rice farming is a profitable business in Kenya. 

This sector is poised for growth. 

It just needs supportive government policies and advancements in farming technologies.

There’s something you need to do to succeed in rice farming.

What is it?

 Just focus on

1. Adopting best agronomic practices
2. Investing in water management and irrigation systems
3. Exploring value addition opportunities
4. Finding out about market trends and government support programs

Getting Started with Rice Farming in Kenya

1. Seed selection

• Choose certified seeds of rice varieties suitable for your region
• Consider yield potential, market demand, and disease resistance

2. Irrigation practices

• Invest in efficient irrigation systems – – sprinklers for upland rice
• Practice water conservation techniques like alternate wetting and drying

3. Market research

• Identify potential buyers and their quality requirements
• Explore niche markets for premium rice varieties

Remember that success in rice farming requires dedication, continuous learning, and adapting to changing market conditions and environmental factors.

Pro Tips for Aspiring Rice Farmers

Start small and scale up

Begin with a manageable plot size. Scale up as you gain experience. 

This approach allows you to learn and reduce risks.

Invest in soil health

Test your soil regularly and implement crop rotation and green manuring to maintain long-term soil fertility and productivity.

Join or form a farmer’s group

Work with other rice farmers. 

Share knowledge, pool resources for equipment purchases, and increase bargaining power in the market.

Keep records 

Keep detailed records of your farming activities, costs, and yields. 

This information will help you make informed decisions and improve your farm’s profit in the long run.