Ministry rewards best cassava producers

KAYONZA – The Ministry of Agriculture has handed over various awards to the best cassava producers in Ndego Sector, Kayonza District, in an effort to encourage production. “This is the second form of awards we are getting. A couple of days ago we got another prize after emerging the best in the province. Today’s recognition is an added significance to our tireless efforts to end hunger and poverty within our region,” Epimaque Rutaremara, the sector leader said at the function recently. Ndego has generally registered tremendous improvement in agricultural production. Green cassava production has been pointed out as one of those crops taking the lead in boosting production. According to residents, cassava is one of the most important traditional crops that fight hunger within families. “You can trace the importance of cassava crop to our early traditions. It keeps one strong throughout and that is why it is embraced as a vital crop,” said Robert Maniaraho, a farmer from Ndego sector. Authorities observed that cassava is a crop that has suffered from neglect previously , yet it has scored remarkably in fighting famine in most developing countries. “Cassava produces bulky tubers with a heavy concentration of carbohydrates, about 80 percent. The shoots grow into leaves that constitute a good vegetable rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals,” the Kayonza district agriculture officer said. Meanwhile, Ndego farmers have decried the attack by stray animals into their farm holdings from the Akagera National Park, which destroy crops, and at times injure or kill the residents. “The animals injure at least two people in a month. This is a huge loss. The most dangerous animals include hippopotamus from Lake Ihema,” Michel Mahandago, one of the residents said. Authorities in the area say a number of mechanisms are being designed to check straying animals, but a lasting solution is yet to be found. “We have initiated a farmers’ cooperative to oversee and fight the encroachment of animals, as we work out other modalities to end this menace,” a local leader said. Ends