Rice Farmers demand better prices

Rice growers in Rwamagana, Kayonza and Ngoma districts have expressed dissatisfaction over the current pricing of their harvest. The farmers said that funds invested in the production process are higher than what they are paid. The farmers expressed their concern yesterday, while meeting the Governor of Eastern Province Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kirabo Kacyira. The Governor, accompanied by other provincial authorities, was visiting rural rice farmers belonging to the TWIBUMBE union. One of the rice growers Vianney Nibagororwa, 60, said that government should intervene to help in regularising the prices. He said that rice, unlike other crops, demands intensive labour and therefore deserve better prices. “We are paid between Rwf 160 and 200 per kilo depending on the quality of rice...the low prices are discouraging. It is true that at this price, we cannot match other crops such as sorghum or millet growers in terms of profits,” he said. Another farmer, Jeanine Kanakuze, 30, observed that the problem of poor prices is compounded by lack of water reservoirs. She said that part of the land meant for rice farming, is never utilised all round the season due to lack of water for irrigation. “There are two important things that need to be addressed if rice growers are to keep in business: One is price increase and the other is availability of water all seasons,” she said. Ends

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Rice Farmers demand better prices