EASTERN PROVINCE RWAMAGANA — Ten successful farmers and institutions in Rwamagana District were over the weekend rewarded cash and other prizes for their efforts in fighting poverty. Those who received the awards include; Etienne Kaberuka who emerged the best farmer and was given Rwf500,000 including farm equipment, Nyakariba emerged the best Sector and was awarded 10 cell phones. Police and Nsinda prison were recognized as the best institutions in farming. Other prizes included wheel barrows, milk containers, gumboots and hoes. The State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Agnes Karibata who presided over the ceremony, at Munyiginya Sector, said that rewarding successful farmers encourages hard work and inspires other farmers to invest in modern farming. “I appreciate the district for initiating such a good idea; it is one of the ways to encourage hard work and modern farming. We will work together to support farmers by facilitating training sessions, providing quality seeds and fertilisers to ensure that agricultural production increases,” said Karibata. She reminded residents that they have suitable soils compared to most parts of the country, therefore they should utilise the opportunity to increase food production. The minister also encouraged farmers to specialise in banana planting, saying there is enough local and international market. “You have to ensure proper timing while planting crops. Some people plant crops late after the rainny season and end up with poor yields, which is a wastage of time and energy,” she said, while pointing at some stunted maize and sorghum plants, which were planted in bad season. According to the Mayor, Valens Ntezirembo, those who received the awards were selected from village to the district level. He said the district strives to make Rwamagana the leading producer of cash and food crops. “I know it is possible with everyone’s effort. And we will continue with the rewarding,” he noted. Kaberuka attributed his success to the district - which he said facilitated farmers to visit other model farmers-from whom they learnt new methods of modern farming. The district also organised training sessions on modern farming for farmers. “I learnt the advantages of mono cropping and other modern methods of farming, which have helped me increase production. This means authorities are helping me to develop myself,” Kaberuka remarked. Ends
