Farmers in Kayonza and Ngoma districts have been urged to engage in commercial agriculture to improve their livelihoods and ensure a sustainable source of household income. 

Gerardine Mukeshimana, the Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resources, who was speaking at the launch of new farmer co-operatives in the region, said commercial farming is key to increased agriculture output.

The co-operatives brought together over 1,000 farmers from Rwinkwavu, Murama and Kabarondo in Kayonza District and Remera and Kibungo in Ngoma District under the Rural Sector Support Project (RSSP), a project that supports co-operatives.

"You have acquired appropriate skills that will help you manage your land better; use the skills to increase productivity and, eventually, earnings,” Mukeshimana said.

The minister assured the farmers under the project of a ready market, access to affordable credit, as well as technical assistance, especially on sustainable agriculture practices.

Telesphore Kagwisage, the president of Kora Imyuga Ukire Co-operative, said the project gives co-operatives an opportunity to lay strong strategies that could enhance production, and reduce poverty among members.

Jean Jules Nsekarije, the president of Twidika Co-operative, noted that the Rural Sector Support project had helped many residents come out of poverty as it helps them access markets.

"Farmers have acquired right land management skills, especially using comprehensive land husbandry technologies, that have helped us to get good yields and higher incomes,” he said.

Jolly Dusabe, the RSSP project co-ordinator, called on farmers to work hard and enhance crop out to transform their lives.

He said farmers in the two districts have already registered an increase in crop produce.

"The output of beans has risen from 0.3 tonnes per hectare to two tonnes per hectare in the past few seasons, which has boosted farmers’ income.

District leaders urged the participating farmers’ co-operatives to adopt good agro-practices as one of the ways to ensure improved harvests. business@newtimes.co.rw