EATSERN PROVINCE - GATSIBO - The Speaker of Parliament Rose Mukantabana has called upon rice growers in Kanyonyomba village of Gatsibo district, to work hard so as to increase their over all production.

She said this on Saturday as over 15 legislators joined rice farmers as the part of the lawmakers’ programme of joining communities during the monthly community work (Umuganda).

Addressing the residents of the area, the Speaker reminded them the importance of improving crop production.

She said Kanyonyomba swamp would produce enough rice for their domestic consumption, serve other parts of Rwanda and probably export the surplus.

"Do not take the opportunity nature gives you for granted…work hard and maximize production. There is great sign of improvement, but you still have to go a step further,” she said.

She also warned the people on the dangers of producing many children that they cannot afford to feed.

"Your production will never overcome hunger if you have many children. Change the attitude and respect family planning to end hunger and famine.”

Jean de Dieu Mugiraneza, the in charge of rural infrastructure in Gatsabo district said the rice scheme is going to witness the highest production ever.

He said they expect to produce at least 3753 tons from the 417 hectares.

"This will be land mark production since we started the project a couple of years ago. But unfortunately we are still nursing people’s negative attitude towards the crop…they want to grow many others,” he said.

The Speaker was accompanied by her two deputies; Dennis Polisi and Dr Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo.

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