Farmers in Rulindo District in Northern Province have highlighted a shortage of drying facilities which are crucial in preventing post-harvest losses.
The farmers highlighted the issue on Thursday, September 12 as the Governor of Northern Province, Maurice Mugabowagahunde, joined them for the launch of the 2025 agricultural season A with maize planting in the Bahimba wetland.
ALSO READ: NST2: How govt plans to drive agriculture forward
The 327-hectare wetland which spans five sectors is cultivated by over 3,000 farmers from the COVAMABA cooperative.
The cooperative currently has 22 drying infrastructures, each capable of handling 20 tons, according to its president Wellars Habumuremyi.
"If we got about 15 more drying facilities, that would suffice given our current needs,” Habumuremyi said.
He also said improved irrigation systems in order to increase yields.
ALSO READ: Agricultural output set to increase by 10% in 2025: What will drive growth?
Despite these challenges, the cooperative has seen notable progress. Since its inception in 2014, yields have increased 24 tonnes of potatoes per hectare, compared to just seven to eight tonnes when they started. The harvest 4.6 tonnes of maize per hectare up from two when they started.
This improvement is attributed to increased knowledge and better farming practices, though issues such as climate change continue to pose risks.
Governor Mugabowagahunde urged the farmers to keep good farming practices in order to increase their yields.
"We must focus on planting selected seeds and avoid mixing crops if we are to meet our production targets,” he said.
Additionally, he noted, farmers should ensure they register in time for government services, such as the fertilizer distribution programme.
He further emphasised the need for effective land use techniques that would ensure food security.
"If you have a plot intended for construction that won’t be developed soon, consider growing short-term food crops,” the governor advised the farmers, adding that even district could lease idle land for cultivation use by those who are interested.
In support to the farmers cooperative, the government in cooperation with Solid Africa Foundation and other partners, provided maize seeds and fertilizers for 200 hectares in the wetland.