Posted on October, 15, 2018 at 11:08 am
Farmers in Rulindo District launched the agriculture season 2019A with confidence to register an increased production this season as they now have irrigation facilities that enable them to grow their crops all year round without relying on rain-fed farming.
“We optimistically expect better yields this season compared to what we used to get in the past because we now irrigation facilities,” said Jean Damascene Uwimpaye, one of the farmers. “We have no time to waste since we are not worried about unpredictable weather.”
The 37-year old farmer and his neighbors expressed their confidence on September 18, 2018 while launching the agriculture season 2019A in the district. The event was officiated in Burega Sector of Rulindo District by Honorable Fulgence Nsengiyumva, Minister of State in-charge of agriculture.
The farmers began the agriculture season by planting vegetables and seeds of maize in a newly-developed irrigation scheme – Muyanza hillside irrigation scheme. They also used both organic and inorganic fertilizers to ensure increased agricultural productivity.
Muyanza hillside irrigation scheme is able to irrigate 1100 Ha of crop fields throughout the year which will benefit all categories of farmers, that is, commercial, medium and small scale. The scheme was funded by the World Bank Group under the Land Husbandry Water Harvesting and Hillside irrigation (LWH) Project of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).
Minister of State Nsengiyumva called upon the farmers and local agronomists to speed up sowing exercise in order to accomplish it on time. He also urged them to take care of the irrigation facilities.
Season launch marks the beginning of the season, in which the government gives it much consideration; during such event the government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources provides directions, expectations, mobilize and ensure that farmers understand some of the key government program, especially in agriculture.
Improved seeds and fertilizers are being distributed to farmers through a large network of agro-dealers across the country. The ministry plans to avail 28,568 MT of fertilizers to farmers and 2,313 MT of improved seeds while about 812,727 Ha of land is targeted to be planted with priority crops including Maize, Wheat, Rice, Beans, Soybean, Irish Potato, Cassava and Vegetables.
Source: Republic of Rwanda - Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI)