Farmers train on pests and disease control

MUSANZE - 68 farmers in Musanze district have completed a five month pest and disease control course that should see them improve their output. The training approach locally known as Ishuri ryabahinzi mu murima-IAMU was organised by IPM-Integrated Pest Management project. Dr Jean Piere Busogoro, Director of IPM, explained that the training module entails grouping farmers for ease of undertaking field learning on crops management from planting to harvesting. “Farmers learn how to select and prepare the plots, how to identify organic manure and select seeds which are free of any infection,’’ Dr Busogoro said. The farmers, who were drawn from two sectors of Kinigi and Cyuve, trained on Irish potato growing with emphasis on identifying pests and diseases and timely application of correct pesticides. Dr. Busogoro said that the project aims also at improving the agricultural productivity and the environment protection through setting up an integrated management system for control of pests and diseases affecting crops. “The training gave us a hands on approach on how we can significantly improve our output. With the expected support from extension services we hope to register improved harvests in the coming days,’’ Anonciata Nirera, one of the trainees said. At the function, the district Mayor Winfrida Mpembyemungu urged the farmers to utilise the knowledge and skills acquired over time and the government support to transform farming within the area. Ends