Ensuring Food Security: Vegetables a viable solution

EASTERN PROVINCE RWAMAGANA — The district Director of Planning and Economic Development, Richard Niyomwungeri, has said that vegetable growing could offer villagers a sure path towards food security in the district. Niyomwungeri called on local leaders to embark on mass sensitisation of residents about the advantages of vegetable growing, by involving successful vegetable farmers who will in turn sensitise others. He was responding to reports that many farmers were reluctant to grow vegetables in the district. Talking to The New Times, one farmer Athanase Nyakana, 65 had said he doubted that vegetables could generate income because they are perishable. Niyomwungeri disclosed that the district has embarked on a campaign to promote commercial vegetable growing and they have negotiated with area hotels to secure contracts for farmers. Part of the support entails distributing fast growing vegetable seeds to farmers including carrots, watermelon, green paper, tomatoes, cucumber, cabbages, French beans, and onions, among others. “So far, under a Canadian consultant, Gahengeri and Muyaga sector have started growing the crops. We are targeting growing of vegetables on 10 hectares, and we want to have it done in all sectors, each at least having five hectares,” Niyomwungeli said. Ends