BUGESERA - Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) has launched a Rwf 200m cassava growing project on 600 hectares of land in Mayange sector, Bugesera District.

Speaking at the weeding phase of the launch, the Chief of Defence Staff, General James Kabarebe said that after ensuring maximum security for the country, RDF has embarked on production as one measure contributing to towards alleviation of poverty from Rwandans.

"As forces, we cannot say we achieved total peace when there is still poverty among Rwandans. This is therefore what we should now fight against,” Kabarebe said.

"We should not be the army that neglects the residents but the army that supports them to develop. We should be the army that takes part in the development of the country. We have therefore not finished the war if Rwandans are still poor.”  

Close to 2000 hectares of cassava are to be planted in Bugesera. Also to be planted there are fruits that include mangoes and oranges.

The project slated to cost Rwf 200m, is valued at Rwf 2.4bn after harvest according to Brig. Gen. Alex Ibambasi the Officer in Charge of production.

RDF has also started other projects which include livestock, coffee washing stations and maize growing. Aout 3000 hectares of maize will also be planted in Gabiro, Gatsibo District.

Cassava is one of the crops that were chosen to be planted in Bugesera District because the soils in the area favour the crop.
Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) is set to put up a cassava processing factory next year, to be located in Ruhango District.

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