Gatsibo–COPRORIZ-Ntende cooperative from Rugarama Sector on Tuesday honoured individuals and administrators that made an outstanding contribution to the rice co-operative in Gatsibo District. The awards ceremony was organised by a committee of co-operative representatives with support from Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).According to the chairman of the cooperative, Jean Damascene Rwamwaga, the success of the cooperative was due to the extraordinary commitment of its members."I have worked with many cooperatives, but I am humbled by the determination with which the cooperative members work. They are highly disciplined and organised, which is why they make a difference,” he said.One of the founder members, Jean Baptiste Ruhumuriza, told The New Times that all members lived above the poverty line. "We have all primary needs of a human being...our incomes have been steadily increasing. We are moving towards breaking the traditional cycle of poverty. The hand of the government has been great,” he said.The Mayor, Ambrose Ruboneza, said the district aimed at boosting rice production and stabilising prices of the country’s staple food. He added that the district would continue supporting the cooperative to maximise profits, adding that the district would strengthen its bargaining power in the international market."The rice cooperative is growing very fast...its production is expected to boost, not only the district, but also the country’s economy. It has won awards several times, due to its high level performance,” he noted.The cooperative has close to 900 members who grow the cereal on 800 hectares of land in the Rugarama swamp.