New maize varieties boost production at Nsinda Prison

Rwamagana - New maize varieties have improved the quality and yield of maize at Nsinda Prison farm.According to prison authorities, new varieties, which are highly resistant to diseases, among other attributes, were tested and validated before use. Ivan Habimana, the Director of the prison, said that improved management approaches, including training materials for management of open-pollinated varieties, were developed and promoted to increase production. “We use imported hybrid seeds...but with this gross production, we shall not need to import the seeds anymore. Crop production in general is going to be given high priority,” he said. Phenious Bunvabose, officer in charge of production at the prison, said that they expect to harvest more maize next season. He added that last season was not the best, pointing out that the prison managed to produce approximately 200 tonnes of maize. Xavier Nduwayo, 56, who lives close to the Prison farm, told The New Times that farmers in outlying areas were learning from the modern process of maize production.Maize production is in line with the National Prison Services plan to reduce government expenditure on inmates and importation of seeds. Ends