NYAGATARE — Umutara Polytechnic has increased practical lessons to be undertaken by students offering agriculture.

The Vice Rector in charge of Administration and Finance, Richard Kalimba, Friday disclosed that they have set up a new crop farm to this effect.

He suggested that this will enable students to make meaningful contribution to the ongoing national agricultural transformation.

"It has availed the students a chance because thy have to match their academic skills with the government’s policy,” he said.

He said the students would be carrying out various internships during their course to solve the problem of producing inept fresh graduates.

Kalimba, said this is part of the key education sector’s reforms. The lecturers have also welcomed the move, saying it would simplify their work for students of agriculture.

Laurence Ngangure, the farm manager, observed that there is rising demand for people with practical skills in the country.

"Intellectual enrichment is not the only required skill….but hands-on skills,” he said.

Ngangure pointed out that if students are practically taught how crops are planted and harvested, then they can use their knowledge to transform agriculture.

It has previously been observed that farmers in Nyagatare district and the whole province in general are not using skilled knowledge to carry out farming.

The students, who talked to The New Times at their crop garden, say that doing more practical was long overdue. 

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