GASABO-UNIE-Tech Pty Ltd, a South African company with a subsidiary in Rwanda, yesterday launched  state-of-the-art centre pivot irrigation technology .

The automated machine which, according to the manufacturer, is easy to operate was launched yesterday at the Agriculture Expo grounds at Mulindi in Gasabo District, in the presence of Ministry of Agriculture officials and investors in the agricultural sector.

The computerised machine described as "durable and efficient” can irrigate land spanning over 25 hectares powered by an electric engine for any programmed period and can now be obtained by individual farmers and cooperatives.

According to the Managing Director of the group, Robbie Robinson, UNIE-Tech has been in consultation with the government to market and supply irrigation equipment at a subsidised cost.

"The centre pivot irrigation system is a type of machine we think is very important system that we believe is the most sustainable you can ever find anywhere,” Robinson said.

"These types of machines have been reliably working for the last 20 years and we believe this is the type of technology we can bring to Rwanda”.

The company is contracted by MINAGRI to supply irrigation technology in Nyagatare Province, Eastern Province.

Robinson said that the equipment can operate in all kinds of terrain and slopes of about 20 percent, noting that wherever a tractor can go, the machine, which also operates on tyres, can.

The machine can be adjusted to various heights basing on the types of crops, and towers can be added to increase the area of irrigation. It can also be scheduled to start and stop itself depending on the set period and can also be operated by radio.

Apart from irrigation, the machine, which operates in a circular motion can be used to apply fertilisers, pesticides and weed control, while the manufacturers of the machine guarantee its maintenance.

Robinson said that he is confident the machine will impress farmers due to its effectiveness and efficiency, adding that its cost is much lower than most irrigation systems available as well as being cost effective.

The Chair of the Taskforce for Irrigation and Mechanisation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Jean Jacques Mbonigaba said that the centre pivot machine is an easy to operate and modern technology which the government see as a future irrigation model.

"The fact that the machine is automated, you can schedule it to start itself and stop over a certain period of time, making it unique from the other systems we know,” Mbonigaba said.

"We urge farmers and cooperatives to try out this technology. The government will also consider using this kind of technology in various government projects. The most important thing is that these people are setting up an office here and they will be accessible,” he added.

He said that the government, through its various institutions, is working on a program that will see most areas targeted for irrigation access electricity to enable such technology to operate smoothly.

In the 2011/12 financial year, the government targets to invest in irrigation to cut over dependence on unpredictable rains.

One of the local farmers Alfred Nkubiri from the Eastern Province, is set to be among the first to try out the new technology.

"I already have an irrigation system but I have consulted the firm to see if they can come and install this kind of technology in my farm. I believe it is very effective and appropriate for my kind of activities,” said the prominent coffee farmer from the Eastern Province.

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