Enhanced family farming services are crucial to improving food security in the country. This was the message delivered at the International World Food Day marked in Mugesera Sector, Ngoma District, yesterday. The World Food Day is marked annually on October 16, but each country can choose a more convenient date between October 16 and 30 to mark the day. The ceremony, that attracted hundreds of farmers, was preceded by community work (Umuganda) to weed a nearby maize garden. Geraldine Mukeshimana, the Minister for Agriculture, said Rwanda had reached satisfactory levels, as far as food security is concerned. She advised farmers to guard the existing agriculture infrastructure, so as to achieve sustainable development. “Our food security has reached 131 per cent. We celebrate this day with joy knowing that hunger is no longer an issue in the country,” she said. Mukeshimana said the government would continue to support farming at all levels, so as to maximise productivity. Jean Pierre Demargerie, an official from World Food Programme, who spoke on behalf of UN agencies partnering with Rwanda in agriculture development, commended Rwanda’s agriculture transformation system that has helped increase productivity. stephen.rhembeho@newtimes.co.rw
