The government is set to establish a multi-sectoral task force to address the infestation of rats and golden snails in rice fields at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Kirinyaga County.
During a visit to Mwea to inspect the Thiba Dam and other projects under the National Irrigation Authority, Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Muriithi announced that the task force will include the Ministry of Agriculture and the Kirinyaga County Government.
CS Muriithi noted that the pests have significantly affected rice production in the area, prompting the ministry to adopt biological control measures. "We are introducing small fish, such as catfish, to feed on the snails, but rat traps alone are insufficient given the large population of rodents," he explained.
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He further stated that the ministry plans to learn from other irrigation schemes facing similar challenges, adding, "This is a new phenomenon that has emerged recently."
Mwea rice farmers are grappling with the destruction caused by golden snails and rats, which have wreaked havoc on rice nurseries. They have called on the government to intervene urgently to control the pests.
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the government's commitment to boosting rice production in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, particularly following the construction of the Thiba Dam.
