MUHANGA - the Ministry of Agriculture will facilitate farmers in Muhanga District to meet the set target of producing over 1500 hectares of maize during this second farming season.

Violet Nyiransangwa, an official from the ministry, said that government will meet half the cost of the activities, while the farmers will provide the rest to ensure that production is completed on time.

Nyiransangwa made the pledge, last week, during a consultative meeting with farmers, agricultural experts, and local leaders - aimed at disseminating the need to have farmers prepared for maize growing during the upcoming season.

She said that farmers had earlier on been advised to save for only half the cost of manure required and the local leaders were urged to promote and sensitize farmers on land consolidation and crop intensification programmes, for better yield.

Over 16.000 hectares of maize are set to be planted countrywide and the Ministry also urged the contracted fertilizer suppliers to make sure the distribution process is well organized and in line with the planting timeline.

The mayor of Muhanga, Yvonne Mutakwasuku, said that the district is set to meet the target and local leaders should help residents in the process.

"Farmers are asked to continue with their good practices, which the government will keep supporting. This will increase the agricultural production and thus food security, increase earning on both local and foreign markets,” Mutakwasuku said.

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