Food security: Govt to allocate idle land for cultivation

In a move to bolster food security and tackle soaring food prices, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ildephonse Musafiri, has said that all vacant plots of arable land across the country will be temporarily assigned to residents for agricultural cultivation. Musafiri made this revelation while addressing the Lower House on Tuesday during a plenary session, responding to concerns about soil erosion and the underutilization of terraced land, which has been adversely impacting crop yields throughout the nation. ALSO READ: The menace of soil erosion: Agriculture minister appears before Parliament This initiative comes at a critical juncture as the country grapples with escalating food costs and strives to meet the dietary requirements of its more than 13.2 million inhabitants. Musafiri explained that this measure is part of the government's strategy to address land under dispute, including land that remains uncultivated, by offering it to nearby farmers and residents for temporary use. He emphasized that the fact that land is entangled in disputes does not render it unusable, as it can be productively employed by lending it to residents on a seasonal basis. The Minister stressed that the primary objective is to ensure that the nation does not lose the potential food production of the 2024 farming season, which commenced in September 2023 and will conclude in February 2024. This decision is being carried out in collaboration with local leaders and has already been implemented for the current farming season. ALSO READ: Agriculture land ‘must be protected’ to feed increasing population We want to see all unexploited land, whether owned by the state or private individuals, cultivated in an unconventional manner during this ongoing farming season, Musafiri declared. He also mentioned that landowners should not be surprised if they learn that residents have begun tilling their land in a particular district whenever the owner fails to indicate their readiness for farming. Furthermore, residents have been encouraged not to plant crops with extended growth periods, exceeding six months for harvest, such as coffee and tea. Instead, they are encouraged to cultivate crops that can be harvested by February 2024, such as maize, rice, beans, and potatoes. It's crucial to note that this initiative does not involve confiscating land from its owners. Instead, it aims to make sure that underutilized land is cultivated for food production, with landowners able to reclaim it for their intended use following the harvest. ALSO READ: PODCAST: What is Rwanda doing to tackle rising food prices? Regarding the criteria for allocating land to residents, Musafiri explained that they will approach landowners and request that the land be utilized for food production. In cases where owners are unwilling or unable to do so, the land will be temporarily assigned to residents who are prepared to cultivate it. Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed their support for this initiative, recognizing its alignment with efforts to combat food inflation and attain food security. The rise in prices of certain commodities, such as Irish potatoes and beans, has caused concern, with prices doubling or tripling since 2018. ALSO READ: Urban food prices rise by 40 per cent MP Marie-Claire Uwumuremyi emphasized the importance of addressing soil erosion to achieve the desired outcomes, while MP Barthelemy Kalinijabo underscored the necessity of providing residents with the requisite seeds, like Irish potatoes, to ensure optimal crop yields.

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Food security: Govt to allocate idle land for cultivation