Regional demand boosts local maize production

Growing regional demand for maize, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Southern Sudan, has boosted the crop’s production. According to Francois Nsengiyunva, the head of Post Harvest Management at the Ministry of Agriculture, the country’s maize production increased from 350,000 tonnes to 460.000 tonnes between this year’s harvest and the preceding one. “We have had a 17 per cent increase in maize production in general...at least 260,000 tonnes are exported to neighbouring countries.”The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ernest Ruzindaza told The New Times that farmers within the region were blessed with a larger market that would always favour them.He said local farmers in effect fetched a fair price, adding that they could sell and stock for future consumption as they desired.“It is our obligation to promote agriculture in general…maize growers were thus given the best price. The original minimum price was Rwf 140 but the market dictates shifted it higher to Rwf 200.“Most countries in the region namely Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda have recorded a bumper harvest…the market, however, is assured. This is a positive thing to farmers and the region,” he stated.Chantal Mwavita, the Chairperson of COHUNYA Maize cooperative based in Rwamagana, said the maize price was reasonable to Government, farmers, consumers and other stakeholders.“The deal was good…we thank the Ministry for its intervention. The price gives us reasonable profits. We were growing impatient until our maize was bought,” she narrated.Mwavita said the sale offered them time and space to step up production.“After selling, we are not bothered by any other thing…we are now busy with beans. Any farmer will be happy when he or she makes good sales at the end of a season. The good sale coincided with days of paying school fees, something that puts a smile on our faces.”The government’s encouragement to create cereal reserves in case of unanticipated famine periods, further contributed to a bumper harvest of maize.

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Regional demand boosts local maize production