Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), Thursday launched a project that will identify the appropriate fertilisers to be used for specific crops on a given peace of land.

Dubbed Integrated Soil Fertility Management Project, it is jointly funded by the government and the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

RAB’s Deputy Director General for Research, Dr. Daphrose Gahakwa, said the project would be piloted at pilot sites in Huye, Nyanza, Kamonyi and Kabaya.

"In the short run, we need to increase the use of fertilisers to at least 20 kilograms per hectare instead of the current 12 kilograms,” Gahakwa said.

She added that the increase in crop production highly depends on the fertility of the soils, but noted that it is critical to know what kind of fertilisers to use.

The project coordinator, Leon Nabahungu, noted that the project would play a vital role in protecting the environment as well as increasing farmers’ gains.

"There are several fertiliser recommendations depending on the crops and soil where the farming is carried out,” he said.

AGRA Training Coordinator, Dr. Bashir Jama, called upon stakeholders to make good use of the project in ensuring that it benefits farmers.

"As we plan for fertility, it’s equally important to consider management which includes timely planting and good quality seeds,” Jama observed.

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