Garissa farmers affected by floods receive over 2,000 Pixie Orange seedlings

About 40 farming groups in Garissa, whose crops were devastated by the April-May floods from the River Tana, on Wednesday received over 2,000 pixie orange seedlings to help restore their lost crops.

The Chairman of the Garissa Farmers Network, Abdi Farah, announced that the donation from the Garissa Community Organisation (G-Com) will assist the worst-affected farmers in growing pixie oranges, which are expected to mature within two years.

"This donation is timely, as it comes just as farmers are returning to their damaged farmlands to rebuild their livelihoods," Abdi said. "The recent floods were devastating, wiping out entire fruit trees that many farmers had been harvesting for decades. These seedlings will provide a crucial lifeline."

Abdi also noted that G-Com has sent an agronomist to train the farmers on the best practices for planting and cultivating pixie oranges. "So far, nearly 50 farmers, including myself, have been trained. We plan to extend this training to more farmers to ensure the successful growth of the seedlings," he added.

He expressed optimism that the pixie oranges would thrive in Garissa, citing the region's favourable weather conditions, which are similar to those in Makueni County, where the crop has performed well.

Ebla Hassan, the Secretary of the Garissa Farmers Network, which has over 7,000 members, mentioned that G-Com also donated floating drums to farmers whose water pump engines were swept away by the floods.

"The floating drums are ideal for our farmers, as they can withstand the flooding we experience twice a year," she noted.

Ebla also appealed to well-wishers and non-governmental organisations to support the affected farmers in regaining their livelihoods.

"So far, only the Garissa Community Organisation and Islamic Relief have reached out to assist the farmers," she said. "Islamic Relief has been providing a cash transfer of Sh 12,170 to some farmers for six months, which has been a great help."

She revealed that farmers are counting losses estimated at around Sh 2.3 billion and are in need of more support.

Omar Tawane and Ogle Gure of Iftin Farm expressed their appreciation for the pixie orange seedlings, which they believe will help them replenish their lost orange trees.

"I lost over 40 trees of oranges and mangoes that I had been harvesting for the last 10 years. The floods were disastrous," said Ogle.

The April-May floods affected more than 7,000 farmers in Garissa, with overflowing waters from the River Tana inundating farmlands. The floods destroyed crops, and infrastructure, and washed away farm equipment.