EASTERN PROVINCE - Kirehe/Rwamagana - Pests have destroyed maize and bean crops in most of Eastern province, particularly in the districts of Kirehe and Rwamagana.

This was confirmed yesterday, by Benson Muhikira, the Vice Mayor in charge of economic development and planning in Kirehe district.

"It is unfortunate that the pests coupled with the poor rains, may affect the overall expected bumper harvest for maize in the district,” the Vice mayor said.

According to Nathalie Niyonagira, the Kirehe District Agriculture Officer, the bean and maize leaf beetle known as indahaga in Kinyarwanda, has been prevalent in the area.

"We are battling the pests that are related to the long drought. They hide in ant-hills which we have to destroy, to deny them sanctuary,” she said.

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