District intensifies specialised farming

NYAMAGABE – Authorities in Nyamagabe district have extended the ‘one village, one product’ programme to various villages in Nzega cell, following its successful pilot project. Under the programme, farmers are encouraged to specialise in growing a single crop. According to the district vice Mayor in charge of Economic Affairs, Emmanuel Murangwa, the programme aims at increasing agricultural production in the area. “Food production was in the past very low and we thought of improving it by selecting crops for each village. This is expected to boost production because crops to be cultivated are selected in relation to their ability to grow in particular soils in a given area,” Murangwa said. Speaking in Kadoma village, Nzega Cell last week, Murangwa revealed that as part of the programme, the district will assist in giving people with food shortages some food rations until their crops (mainly coffee) are ready to be harvested. The district has mobilised Rwf210 million towards food aid covering a period of three years; where each family receives a monthly financial assistance varying from Rwf30 000 to Rwf35 000, the official added. The officer noted that the programme will also increase the number of residents working with financial institutions since their money is channelled to their bank accounts. “Speeding up the development of the district by starting with improving residents’ welfare is the main objective of the programme. Farmers have now started working with banks and many of them have their personal accounts. This will contribute to their development,” the vice-Mayor said. Farmers in the area welcomed the move noting that it is a sure way towards development. “They consulted us before implementing the programme. We hope to get increased production because we can now afford to buy fertilisers with financial assistance from the district,” said one resident who gave his name only as Augustine. The ‘One village, One product project was initiated last year by local leaders in Nyamagabe district in response to low agricultural yields, a phenomenon that residents attributed to the lack of fertile land. Ends