NORTHERN PROVINCE

MUSANZE — Farmers in Rwaza and Kinigi sectors are complaining over delays in disbursing modified seeds and fertilizers, promised to them as part of the agriculture revolution.

Under agriculture revolution farmers were asked to grow specialised crops instead of their traditional food crops. They were promised modified maize seeds to be cultivated in the valleys and coffee to be planted on the hill sides from RADA.

Furious residents of Rwaza sector complain that it is close to two months since they were told to prepare their gardens in anticipation of seeds and fertilisers.

"We are likely to starve because the rainy season has started and will fill the valleys where we normally get food. We normally get tomatoes, beans and especially potatoes leaves for planting on hills from the valleys; but now the heavy rains in March and April will not let us grow anything,’’ Péfinia Uwamahoro, a farmer said.

It has been reported that RADA, provided the modified seeds to the authorities concerned in the district, but the accompanying fertilisers are still lacking.

However, residents are hesitant to the directives to grow a particular type of crop according to the agriculture revolution, fearing that they will not have a variety of their food crops.

Officials recommended Irish potatoes for Kinigi and Nyakinama sectors but farmers have consistently complained over lack of enough modified seeds and the cost of fertilizers.

In Rugarama sector, Burera district, farmers were advised to specialise in extensive growing of Irish potatoes through cooperatives that would later buy their produce, a shift from the traditional nonproductive bananas.

However, farmers are concerned that the decision has not been backed by availability of enough improved seeds and fertilisers.

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