Farmers in Kamembe Sector, Rusizi District, have been advised to plant elephant grass at the edge of their plots so as to control soil erosion.

The call was made yesterday during a field trip to teach farmers proper methods of farming. Participants included farmers from the four cells in Kamembe sector, local leaders and agricultural extension workers.

"We expect every person who has attended this field study to change their ways of farming. I also came along with cell leaders so that they can teach other farmers on the implementation of modern farming methods,” said Viateur Nduwayo, the Kamembe Sector Executive Secretary.

The farmers were taught how to use cow urine as a pesticide and modern crop and livestock farming, among others.

"Since my transformation to modern agriculture in 2007, I have been able to build a house, get electricity and water to my house and pay for my children’s school fees,” Ernest Sebakara, a model farmer testified.

Revokatte Nkurunziza, another model farmer who has donated three heads of cattle to his community, advised farmers to practice both livestock and crop farming, saying they complement each other.

"I use the cow dung for manure while I use urine to kill pests, and through agriculture, I get food for the cattle,” said Nkurunziza.

He advised farmers to concentrate on a certain breed of cattle that consume less, are disease resistant, but produce enough milk.

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