EASTERN PROVINCE

RWAMAGANA — The State minister for Agriculture, Dr. Agnes Kalibata has urged farmers in the Eastern Province to plant crops now in order to ensure good harvests in this season dubbed A 2009.

The State minister made the call last Friday during a meeting with area local leaders at Avega Center. The meeting brought together provincial, district, sector leaders and agronomists.

"We are here to urge farmers to start planting crops on time,” Dr. Kalibata told participants.

The minister explained that fertilisers and seeds were already available for the exercise to begin and there should be no excuse for delays.

She disclosed that the ministry has imported high quality seeds of maize to be distributed to farmers free of charge, while they (farmers) are only requested to pay for the fertilisers at a subsidized price.

Kalibata also said that through Rwanda Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), a special team of experts from different organisations has been contracted to facilitate the easy distribution of the seeds and fertilisers and to over see the implementation of season A 2009.

They are from Wakala East African Ltd based in Kirehe District, Rwanda Rural Rehabilitation Initiative (RWARRI) based in Kayonza District and Rwanda Development Organisation (RDO) based in Nyagatare District.

"We have started an extensive process of enhancing agriculture in the country by using fertilisers and improved seeds. We have imported fertilisers and farmers can access them at a subsidized price,” she said.

The minister said a new voucher system has been introduced that will help farmers access the seeds and fertilisers.  One voucher is issued per every hectare of land upon payment of only 25% of the total cost.

The minister appealed to farmers to form cooperatives and consolidate their plots in order to access more vouchers and seeds so as to practice extensive farming which will in turn lead to improved harvests. 

At the meeting, Dr. Ephraim Kabaija, the area governor, called for proper cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture, RADA, extension workers and farmers for the smooth running of the programme.

Kabaija called on district leaders and sector executive secretaries to monitor the farmers’ work during this planting season.

Presenting his working plan on behalf of RDO, Augustine Bahorana said his organisation has already employed 13 agronomists who are working closely with residents to fulfill their contracts.

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