Farmers with model gardens reap where they sowed

Rwanda Rural Rehabilitation Initiative (RRWARI), a local organisation, at the weekend, exhibited harvest from model gardens while teaching farmers modern methods of cultivationThe event that was characterised by traditional maize-feasting and dancing were attended by, among others, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, and Rwanda Grains and Cereals Corporation among others.RRWARI has been training farmers from the districts of Kayonza, Gatsibo and Rwamagana on how best to grow maize, beans and soya.According to agronomists attached to the developmental initiative, the gardens were aimed at equipping farmers with modern techniques right from planting to harvesting.“Using all input in a timely manner and in the right proportion is what makes a difference. Today’s demonstration shows the difference between traditional and the modern crop growing,” said Bellange Uwizeye, one of the agronomists.“Farmers have mastered all the necessary steps from spacing, proper fertiliser application, pests control, weeding, harvesting and storage. This is what the model gardens are all about,” Uwizeye added.Immaculate Mwandeka, the chairperson of a farmer’s cooperative only identified as COHUNYA, said the model gardens left them with tangible experience to increase production.“This is the hands-on experience we lacked. It doesn’t help us when we are only exposed on theories of farming,” Mwandeka said.Moise Ruzigura, the in-charge of cooperatives in Rwamagana district, said the initiative would also help farmers select crops known to grow well in their areas, adding that modern farming could check food insecurity and earn additional surplus income.He said agriculture was still the main economic activity worth maximum support from all stakeholders.“Traditional farmers have now graduated to modern ones. We shall continue to empower farmers. The bottom line is uplifting the living standards of the rural poor,” he said.

National

Farmers with model gardens reap where they sowed