[Editorial] Optimise marshlands to boost production

Rugende marshland that stretches over the districts of Kicukiro, Gasabo and Rwamagana, will be developed and used for multiplication of maize seed, cultivation of rice, vegetables and fodder for cows. About 120.5 hectares will be used for the multiplication of maize seed, 120 hectares for rice, 137.4 hectares for cattle farms, and 6.5 hectares for vegetables. The move to use part of the marshland for maize seed multiplication is a step in the right direction as it will reduce or phase out imports of seed. The initiative is good news for farmers and the country’s development efforts in general. Good seed variety is key to ensuring that farmers get the right quality and quantity of produce. In the past, farmers complained of getting poor quality seed, which subsequently left them counting losses in terms of poor yield or losing their crops before harvest. Therefore, using marshlands to multiply good quality seed locally is timely. It is critical in the country’s efforts to ensure food security and have optimal use of land for farming. If the project is well executed, farmers will get good quality seed and on time. Also, the initiative will protect marshlands which in the past have been used for illegal activities that are not environmentally sustainable. Undertaking environmentally friendly activities on marshlands to spur development in a well regulated manner is the way to go. Indeed, the Rural Sector Support Programme (RSSP), which focuses on marshland development in the country, should roll out similar initiatives in other districts with marshlands that are not being utilised productively. The Government’s priority is to ensure food security for all Rwandans. All key stakeholders should partner with the Government to ensure that food security is guaranteed at all times. The initiative is in line with the tenets of sustainable development.

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[Editorial] Optimise marshlands to boost production