Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has linked pests that are ravaging crops in Eastern province to drought effects and lack of using well-decomposed compost (manure).

Farmers in Gatsibo district have reported over 400 hectares destroyed by pests named "Mukondo w’inyana”.

At least eight sectors of this district have been affected.

These include Ngarama, Murambi, Kabarore, Rwimbogo, Kiramuruzi, Gatsibo, Kiziguro and Rugarama.

"The pests are eating seeds that are germinating. They started from Gatsibo sector before spreading to other sectors. There is no single harvest wherever they attack. There is a need for interventions before spreading to other areas,” Alphonsine Nzamwita, a farmer in Gatsibo District told The New Times on Tuesday.

Drocelle Mukeshima, another farmer from Kabarore sector said that she tried sorghum, beans, maize, and tomato seeds at different times but never germinated.

"Some farmers opted not to plant again,” she said.

Bernard Udahemuka, who is in charge of agriculture in Gatsibo district said that 403 hectares have so far been ravaged by the pests adding that they wrote to RAB for intervention.

Charles Bucagu, the Deputy Director General in charge of Agriculture Research and Technology Transfer at RAB told The New Times that the pests are "Small millipedes which farmers named "Mukondo w’inyana”, usually, living on organic material below the topsoil, naturally considered as beneficial organisms.”

However, he said that "Because of special circumstances such as low soil organic content, low moisture level), they turn to become a pest for crops.”

"These millipedes are moving to the top soil searching for water in drought-affected areas and well-decomposed material, including crop roots. We are advising farmers to use well-decomposed compost/manure and water their crops,” he said.

RAB also advised farmers to collect these pests and spray them with rockets in prepared containers.

Irrigation intervention

Bucagu said that irrigation interventions are planned to intensify the fight against pests.

"Districts are provided with pumping machines to support farmers. About 470 pumping machines were provided in Eastern province and they have started irrigation intervention in areas such as Bugesera and other places,” he said.

He reiterated that the government will support with additional funds and promote early maturing crops, including beans, vegetables, and others.

The interventions, he added, also include fertilizers for farmers to boost production in watered marshlands and irrigation areas.

"In addition, farmers have acquired irrigation equipment through Government subsidy, allocating Rwf1 billion every year. We are mobilizing to use this equipment as well. Those who have equipment should lend to their fellows so that we irrigate large production areas,” he said.

An assessment was being carried out to know other districts that might be affected.

According to farmers, Yields are likely to be low in farming season A, in some parts of the country if rains continue to be minimal.

They are saying that the situation could also trigger a continuous rise in food prices.

Rainfall deficit forecast

Some parts of Southern and Eastern Provinces, where the pests are being reported, have experienced rainfall deficit in the previous period and less rainfall is still expected in these parts in the next 10 days, Rwanda Meteorology Agency has warned.

The forecast says that low rainfall is expected in eastern parts of Southern Province, many parts of Bugesera, Ngoma, Kirehe, and parts of eastern Kayonza, Nyagatare, and Gatsibo Districts up to October 31, 2022.

Farmers and communities in these parts of the country are advised to apply agricultural practices of rainwater harvesting for further use and other techniques that allow water to be retained in the soil as well as irrigation where it is possible, the weather forecast agency urged.

Scattered rainfall will continue to prevail in many parts of Kigali City, Eastern, and Southern Provinces.

The average maximum temperature is expected to range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius

Many Parts of Kigali City, eastern and southern parts of Eastern Province, eastern parts of Southern Province, and southern parts of Rusizi District are expected to experience higher maximum temperatures ranging between 28°C and 30°C.