Editor,

Reference is made to the article, "The unsustainability of organic farming” (The New Times, June 17).

Organic farming is not synonymous with the use of compost, and the article’s authors probably know that. Compost is an inefficient source of nutrients in organic farming; that is one reason why organic farming is claimed to be unfeasible.

That, however, is largely a result of ignorance and/or conventional approaches. For example, selected green leaf matter is said to provide yields as good as or even better than synthetic fertilisers.

We need to focus on apt water and soil conservation already proven elsewhere in the world and much more seriously consider greener approaches to fighting pests, weeds, fungi and improving soil fertility.

We ought to be extra vigilant against these sorts of ‘tricksters.’ Hopefully the policy and decision makers are wide awake to sniff the trickery and take care in increasing synthetic fertilisers and a whole host of synthetic chemicals and other approaches that do not guarantee sustainable and profitable smallholder farming in Rwanda and elsewhere.

We need more focus on investigating, trialing and promoting the use and production of green agricultural inputs, apt farming techniques, soil and water conservation, and encouraging local value addition.

Smallholder farming and associated local value addition are some sure ways to address the employment needs of our burgeoning youth population. What is environmentally friendly and/or sustainable about the approaches put forward by the article’s authors.

It is high time for meaningful discourse and adequate investment in the above matters before we are wiped out, very slowly but surely, through the approaches being promoted by the authors and their partners.

Ben, Rwanda

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As a true witness to the vigilant campaigns against GMOs in the USA and Europe (of course for the benefit of huge corporations at the expense of our children’s health) there is proof that suddenly "the dark continent” looks as bright as a Christmas tree with presents and all. Don’t be fooled.

Jacqueline, Rwanda