KARONGI -Agriculture Minister, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, has appealed to local leaders in the Western Province to work hand in hand with agricultural officers in the region in order to improve production.

She made the appeal during a consultative meeting held, Friday, at the provincial headquarters in Karongi district.

"I must admit that the performance of the Western Province was exemplary last season and there is potential to achieve even more. This should all begin at the house hold level,” She noted.

"Our economy largely depends on agriculture. It means that we are all concerned and are expected to perform because this has now become an issue of protecting our national sovereignty,” she said.

Kalibata revealed that during this new season, performance would be determined by considering untilled land instead of looking at the produce as before. 

Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that maize and beans as the priority crops this season with over 42,000 hectares each while Irish potatoes and cassava are expected to cover 24,671 and 23,964 hectares respectively. Wheat will be planted on only 5000 hectares of land.

Recently released rankings put Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts in top position with Rubavu and Nyabihu coming next while Karongi lags behind.

Most local leaders have subsequently attributed the impressive performance on cooperation with the local population and attributed the setbacks on some residents who are still struggling to abide by government policies.

"As much as the population has played a significant role in raising agricultural produce in the province, a section of residents have continually frustrated our efforts,” Jean Ndimubahire, the Mayor of Rutsiro said.

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