NYANZA – Rice farmers in Nyarubogo Marshland, in Nyanza district are looking forward to increased rice production following the construction of water barrier to manage water flow in the swamp. 

The water barrier, according to engineers, will help in the conservation of over 460,000 m3 of water that will be used on rice farms. The construction activities that are being funded by the Rural Sector Support Project (RSSP) will be completed in 11 months.

"In the past we used to plant rice only when it was a rainy season. But we hope the day the water barrier will be completed, we will be able to grow rice twice a year,” Eraste Ndikumana, a rice farmer in Nyarubogo swamp said.

According to farmers, a water barrier that was constructed 2 years ago in the neighboring Agasasa Marshland has contributed in the increment of rice production.

"Many of us have benefited tremendously due to increased production from our farms. Before the construction of the water barrier, water in the marshland was scarce, and watering rice was a big challenge, but today the situation has changed,” noted Eliachim Ntibihangana, a rice farmer in Agasasa swamp.

Ends