NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — A new project called ‘Research Into Use’ has finalized arrangements to begin growing modern Irish potatoes in Gicumbi district. The project works under the Ministry of Agriculture.

The revelation was made last week at a meeting of agricultural officers and all sector officials at the district headquarters. The meeting was convened by the district Vice Mayor for economic affairs Ildephonse Butera.

"Modernizing agriculture is part of the District Development Plan (DDP)", said Butera. He called upon the agricultural officers to encourage farmers to work in cooperatives so as to benefit from ‘Research Into Use’ and other projects working in the district.

"Research Into Use" project comes as an addition to the already existing Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and ‘Green house’ projects, operating in the district.

The vice mayor encouraged those present to embrace the ‘Green house’ project and to introduce modern agriculture demonstration sites commonly known as "Indatwa hill" in every village (Mudugudu). "Green house is a project which creates high crop yields even on a small piece of land," added Butera.

Also present were representatives of Ubudehe at Sector levels. The Ubudehe representatives hailed government for donating goats and cattle to the poor rural peasants, saying this has enabled them to pay school fees for their children, medical insurance and improved their economic status.

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