Gatsibo farmers agonise over delayed tractors

GATSIBO – Farmers in Gatsibo District warn that they may not be able to produce enough food this season as earlier projected, as tractors promised to them by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources are yet to be delivered. Farmers, who talked to The New Times, said the delay in delivering the machines has increased the time needed to till the land and get it ready for cultivation. Apollo Rutagarama, a model farmer in Gitoki Sector, said the tractors would help farmers transform from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Theoneste Hakizimana, a member of COAMAKI maize cooperative in Kiziguro Sector, protested that the delay had made maize production difficult. “We expected the District to deliver the machines on time, but we don’t know why they have delayed.” The District Mayor, Ambrose Ruboneza, explained that the machines were delivered on time but most of them lacked spare parts and drivers. “The machines were distributed on time, but availability of spare parts and inadequate operators is the problem. But we assure farmers that the district is working tirelessly to sort it out,” he said. Dan.ngabonziza@newtimes.co.rw

National

Gatsibo farmers agonise over delayed tractors