GICUMBI- More than 60 residents of Byumba Sector, who previously benefited from the One Cow per Family Programme, yesterday donated their cows’ off springs to their poor neighbours.

The ceremony to hand over the heifers was presided over by provincial livestock farming coordinator, Jean Claude Rukundo.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Rukundo urged them to emulate their benefactors by passing on the off-springs of their newly acquired cows, once they produce.

"The culture of donating cows to needy neighbours is enshrined in the Rwandan culture and should be emulated by all patriotic Rwandans,” he said.

Rukundo further advised the owner of the cows to take good care of the animals so that they can maximize their potential to produce milk, which would improve their lives.

"Milk should be fed to children to eradicate malnutrition, and the surplus sold to generate income,” he added.

Byumba Sector, Executive Secretary, Jean Marie Gahano, encouraged the farmers to use waste from the animals for both as manure or for generating bio gas.

On behalf of livestock farmers in the sector, Agnes Mukangirawonsanga hailed President Paul Kagame for spearheading the one cow per family programme, saying that the initiative has lifted her out of poverty.

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