Radio programmes to boost pyrethrum farming

MUSANZE - Life Line Radio, a US non profit organisation, has donated 220 free solar powered radio sets to pyrethrum growers grouped into 22 cooperatives within Musanze, and Rubavu districts.The radios with programmed messages on farming practices, will help pyrethrum farmers follow a weekly programme on Musanze and Rubavu community radio stations which will avail information on farming, market, and post harvest handling.According to Peter Kettler, Director of Life line Radio, the messages on community radios will provide farmers with relevant information on pyrethrum farming, application of fertilisers and the importance of growing the crop.“We shall use radio messages, to help coffee and pyrethrum farmers increase their yield, introduce agronomic best practices and health information, and also keep farmers informed on the prices at both the local and international markets,’’ Kettler revealed.Life line Radio partners with the pyrethrum processing company-Sopyrwa, SPREAD/USAID, SC Johnson, Radio Salus, to air the Imbere Heza radio programme.Over 20,000 farmers are involved, in pyrethrum production. Its production has doubled since 2009, and farmers have increased acreage under the crop. Ends

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Radio programmes to boost pyrethrum farming