Education minister Papias Musafiri has urged farmers to embrace modern and timely agriculture.

Musafiri, who is also the advisor of Nyarugenge District, made the remarks during the launch of the first farming season, 2016 A, on Tuesday in Nzove Cell, Kanyinya Sector in Nyarugenge where he had joined residents in planting maize on a 6-hectare field.

The minister urged the locals to espouse technology in farming, giving an example of green house farming that yields high in a small area.

"You are lucky to have ready market for your harvest close to you. Living in a rural setting but close to urban areas is an opportunity you should seize,” he said.

Nyarugenge mayor Solange Mukasonga told farmers to make use of their land regardless of the size.

"If you use your land in a modern manner, you can produce more yields than with traditional farming practice,” Mukasonga said.

She urged them to shift from reliance on bananas and sugarcane and embrace other crops that generate more income.

"Most of the people like to cultivate banana to produce wine, but it is not as profitable as you would want it to be. You should rather cultivate other crops such as legumes, maize, beans,” the mayor said.

Through the land consolidation program, 3,000 hectares will be planted with beans and 1,000 hectares with maize.

Vincent Kayora, the Nyarugenge district agriculture officer, said this season they aim to harvest 4.6 tonnes of maize per hectare from 3.3 tonnes the previous seasons as well as 2 tonnes of beans per hectare up from 1.6 tonnes.

Nyarugenge plans to have planted all fields within a week, with farmers pledging to increase their efforts in the coming season.

"Our leaders’ commitment to empower us is an impetus in our activities. We are happy and ready to work hard,” said Mushengezi Christophe, a farmer.

The first farming season 2016 A started last month and ends in February next year. However, farmers in Nyarugenge started their season this month due to rain delay.

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