EASTERN PROVINCE

NYAGATARE — There has been a sudden upsurge in the production of milk in Nyagatare sending livestock farmers in panic.

It is even more worrying that the production is expected to increase even more.

The farmers are appealing to local leaders to help them secure market for their increased production.

Through their cooperative, Umutara dairy marketing cooperative  [UDAMACO], they recently asked Governor Theoneste Mutsindashayaka and Mayor Robert Kashemeza, during an interactive meeting with local leaders at Nyagatare Nursing school, to identify larger market for their excess milk.

Over 3050 liters of milk were not consumed last week which has scared the group fearing that a lot of milk would be wasted due to limited domestic market. The sudden upsurge has been attributed to heavy rainfall.

"There many factors which have led to increased milk production among them increased heavy showers and breakdown of the Inyange milk plant that has led all milk producers to sell directly to the local market,” Augustine Katabarwa, UDAMACO chairman said.

 Mutindashyaka advised the farmers to seek a solution from within the members.

"The solution is held in your hands because when we see high milk production, it means you invested in lots of efforts and its time to be creative and get a solution before you appeal to any other party,” Mutindashyaka said.

After touring Nyagatare and Rukomo sectors, the governor was impressed by the way leaders responded to the government policy of ‘green revolution’ intended to improve economic development.

"You played your role as leaders but the next step is to be creative and find a lasting solution to excess milk before the province or the ministry of agriculture intervenes.”

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