A growing number of farmers in Nyanza have turned to utilizing LPG-powered water pumps for irrigation, a shift that has raised safety concerns within the community. Many of these farmers have reportedly opted to set aside fuel-powered generators in favor of this relatively new method, citing the exorbitant cost of fuel as the primary driver for this change.
Bishop Kennedy Rugara, a prominent watermelon farmer in Migori, shared with Wananchi Reporting that the adoption of this “new technology” is gaining traction among local farmers seeking an alternative to traditional fuel generators. “It’s a new thing in this region, although personally I still use a fuel-powered generator to water my farm,” he remarked.
According to Kepher Ochieng, a farmer cultivating tomatoes and kales along the banks of the Kuja River, this innovation is becoming increasingly popular among farmers in the area. Ochieng mentioned that while some still perceive it as somewhat crude and unsafe, others are already embracing it. He noted, “I think people are just desperate because of the high cost of living, and so, they will go for anything that helps them save money at the end of the day. Many don’t really think about safety,” highlighting that no accidents have been reported so far.
Reports indicate that some farmers have been compelled to abandon farming due to soaring fuel prices and the escalating costs of other farming inputs, exacerbated by prolonged harsh weather conditions in the region. Ochieng, who waters his farm twice weekly, expressed the financial strain, stating, “Initially, I would spend Ksh600 on petrol a day to water my farm, which is not very far from the river, but now I spend more than Ksh1,500 daily.”
Supporters of the new invention argue that it has made investing in farming more accessible, as one full cooking gas cylinder can irrigate a sizable farm three or four times before needing a refill.
However, with concerns over safety arising, residents are calling on the government to provide training for farmers on safe practices, especially concerning these new innovations.
