Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi has called on players in agriculture sector to have positive attitude if the sector is to develop.

Murekezi made the remarks at the conclusion of a week long civic education training (Itorero) for a cross section of players in the agricultural sector.

The training which concluded yesterday was held at the University of Rwanda’ College of Arts and Social Sciences in Huye.

Participants included agronomists, veterinarians, heads of cooperatives, and directors of agriculture, among others.

During the meeting, it emerged that local leaders, agronomists and veterinarians engage in corruption.

Premier Murekezi urged participants to promote Rwandan values and shun corruption.

"Don’t betray these values. What you have learned here should make you better citizens. This should not remain in words, rather implement it.

"Spend more time with farmers than in your offices and avoid corruption. That way, you will be catalysts of development,” the Premier said.

He also promised more support from the government.

Agriculture is a significant sector in the country with 72 per cent of Rwandans practicing it as well as 90 per cent of food commodities being agriculture-based.

However, 38 per cent of children below 5 years of age have malnutrition issues.

"That’s why we must focus on agriculture and use our small land efficiently to increase production both in quality and quantity,” said Premier Murekezi.

Tony Nsanganira, the state minister for Agriculture said the country now needs to liberate itself from poverty.

He urged the group to commit to work together, have one direction, and enhance service delivery, to reduce the gap between agricultural imports and exports.

"Achieving your objectives requires cooperation,” he said.

Participants also set different objectives as part of performance contract (imihigo).

They include land consolidation at cell level up to 70 per cent, to increase the number of farmers who use fertilizers to 80 per cent, to mobilise every household to have at least one small livestock, among others.

Angelique Mukeshimana, one of the participants said, "We have learned a lot from itorero. We have to be kind, hardworking, patriotic, but most importantly, put beneficiaries, farmers first,” she said.

"I have realised that collaboration among agriculture players is weak and therefore, needs to be strengthened for the socio-economic development of the country,” said Philbert Niyinkiza, another participant.

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