NORTHERN PROVINCE

MUSANZE — As the rain season starts, farmers in Kinigi have been urged to plant improved quality seeds from Agro-research centres in order to increase production.

The farmers should also ensure timely harvesting of crops as soon as they are mature.

According to Innocent Habarurema, Director of ISAR (Institute des Science Agronomiques du Rwanda)-Kinigi station, only the improved seed qualities can resist pests, reduce the rate of crop spraying and increase crop yields.

"The more time Irish potatoes spend in the field, the more the quality reduces making it susceptible to disease and pests,’’ Habarurema said last week.

He blamed poor production on lack of crop rotation and untimely spraying of the plant especially in the fertile Virunga areas where one crop is grown every season by many farmers.

However, Irish potato growers have complained of lack of enough improved quality seeds and the cost of fertilizers. They accuse companies like Cecam, contracted to multiply quality seeds of using them [fertilisers and improved varieties] for their own production or consumption.

Local Irish potato, wheat and fruit improved seedlings are said to be given less ‘incubation’ period for proper maturity; especially the locally known Cruiza, Mabondo, Victoria and Nderera Irish potato types. The recommended period is said to be three months.

Habarurema believes that the area potential to produce wheat is underutilised; despite the available big market from SOTIRU- wheat processing company in the district, instead, he said, farmers dwell on food crops.

It was noted that, in transforming agriculture to a more modern productive system, there is need for a strong linkage and fair trade between farmers and cooperatives like CECAM; which provides quality seeds and buys farmers’ produce in order to avoid exploitation of the farmers.

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