NYAGATARE- East African Dairy Development (EADD), Friday launched ‘Farmers Open Day’ in Nyagatare District.

Farmers Open Day, the first of its kind in the country, was celebrated at Rwabiharamba Dairy Farmers Cooperative in Karangazi Sector, Nyagatare District.

Dr. Dennis Karamuzi, the project manager, told participants that like elsewhere, especially in developed countries, farmers get a day to sit and celebrate progress made in their field of milk production.

"We thought of organising this day purposely to give pride to our farmers for the progress they have attained in modern farming. This day is mostly famous in developed countries,” he said.

During the ceremony, guests were given a guided tour around Rwabiharamba milk collection centre which has a capacity to collect 8,000 litres of milk a day.

James Turatsinze, president of the cooperative, hailed EADD for its support in improving farming methods and ensuring quality milk that meets market standards.

Dr. Theogene Rutagwenda, the Director General of Animal Resources in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, thanked the farmers for the progress they have registered, especially in fighting diseases like foot and mouth disease that hit the district in recent years.

"This place was remote, but the progress made in this area today is self evident. However, we attribute all this to farmers’ exceptional efforts,” he said.

Dr. Rutagwenda challenged farmers to continue working hard to develop the area.

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