Farmers in Kirehe District are using irrigation technologies to help transform from subsistence to modern farming.

Mayor Protais Murayire, disclosed this while addressing farmers from the Eastern Province at a workshop in Nyagatare District on Monday.

He said the project will ensure increased yields and food security in the district.

Irrigation, he said,  is critical for food security.

"Days are gone when erratic weather patterns threatened the livelihoods of communities dependent on agriculture,” he said.

"The only solution to boost agricultural production, ensure food security and increase household incomes is to embrace irrigation. Our district will in the next season irrigate over 9,000 hectares. This is in addition to several hundreds of hectares already under irrigation,” Murayire said.

A number of farmers who spoke to The New Times welcomed the irrigation project.

Alphonse Ndagijimana, a farmer from Mahama Sector, said the project was timely. 

Ndagijimana said irrigation had increased crop production, with farmers having surplus for sale.

"We thought irrigation was expensive but with government’s support, our dream has come true. We are slowly transforming the  agriculture sector. This is the first venture we have undertaken as Kirehe farmers,” he said.

Claudine Umuhoza, 43, a maize grower, said the irrigation system was truly transforming people’s lives.

"Irrigation keeps us busy all year round. Everyone irrespective of age are busy in gardens. This has checked alcoholism and other ills in our community,” she said.