KIREHE district is urging farmers to increase crop production ahead of the next planting season dubbed Season 2011 A.

The district vice Mayor in charge of Economic Affairs, Benson Muhikira, said the district registered a bumper harvest in the past season and their intention was to produce even more during the course of the next season.

"The district is happy with achievements made by farmers in season 2009A where maize was cultivated on over 17,000 hectares and sorghum and beans on 3,000 hectares. We are targeting the biggest production next season,” he said.

He was speaking at a one-day farmers’ preparation workshop at Kirehe district headquarters on Monday.

The workshop organised in collaboration with Kirehe Community-based Watershed Management Project (KWAMP), with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, attracted over 850 participants, including grassroots leaders, model farmers, sector leaders and agronomists.

At the workshop, it was revealed that Bukora cell in Nyamugali sector emerged the best crop producer followed by Munini cell in Mahama sector and were both rewarded over Rwf1 million cash prizes.

At least 13 other cells were rewarded other prizes for making a difference.

Janvier Gasasira, KWAMPU project coordinator in the district, said that they would work with the district leadership, to increase farm acreage.

"Over 25,000 hectares will be cultivated and the voucher system will be used as we distribute fertilizers to farmers. We are assured of support from Rwanda Agricultural Development Authority (RADA),” he said.

Eugene Ntahimana, a local farmer, said local authorities and the input of KWAMPU have helped farmers to increase farm yields.

"We are doing well in agriculture after the introduction of land consolidation program...authorities and KWAMPU project have done tremendous work…,” he said.

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