GICUMBI - Gicumbi District authorities have promised to improve farming so as to double the district’s food production.

This was said by the district mayor, Bonane Nyangenzi, during a meeting to mark the end of the farming season that brought together local leaders and agronomists.

According to Nyangenzi, the district’s food production is still low compared to the available market and the number of residents practising farming. Over 80 percent of the district’s population are farmers.

"If you can utilise the land consolidation and crop intensification programmes, the district would register economic growth,” Nyangenzi urged.

The mayor also said that there is high demand for agricultural produce in and outside the country.

The present farming season ended with 3,125 hectares of wheat, 14,000 hectares of beans, and 4,000 ha and 10,500 ha of maize and potatoes, respectively, across the district.

In an interview, the district’s agronomist, Dorothe Banamuriza, said beans claimed 50 percent of all arable land because soils in the area favour the crop.

She, however, pointed out that due to the district’s hilly topography, there is need for use of more manure to improve production.

‘This district is hilly; it, therefore, requires application of a lot of fertilisers. But compared to other districts, it usually has rain which is an advantage,” said Banamuriza.

At the event, the district’s army commander, Col. Evereste Murenzi, assured the local leaders of security which should enhance agricultural production.

"Seize the opportunity of the prevailing security and peace to make your respective residents feel safe enough to improve their farming,” said Murenzi.

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