Farmers to get tractors on credit

The Ministry of Agriculture plans to import tractors and other agricultural equipment estimated to cost Rwf 600 million which farmers will get at subsidised prices on credit.The progamme will be done in conjunction with the ministry’s Irrigation and Mechanisation Task Force. Innocent Nzeyimana, the chairman of the Task Force, confirmed this yesterday saying farmers will get the machines tax free in addition to the government covering transport costs.“We intend to bring 30 more tractors in addition to the 81 we have so far bought since the programme started,” said Nzeyimana. “So far, 21 tractors have been bought by cooperatives and individual farmers”. To enable farmers acquire the tractors; the government links them with the National Development Bank (BRD) which enables them get the tractors on agreed terms, according to Nzeyimana.He pointed out that according to plans; every district will have a Village Mechanization Centre (VMC) before end of this fiscal year.VMCs are workshops set-up to enable small scale farmers or those who may not afford subsidized machines to hire agriculture services at village level.In 2010, the government embarked on a programme to encourage farmers to shift from subsistence to modern methods of farming which encompass mechanisation so as to improve their yields.This saw the setting up of a national mechanization workshop in Jabana Sector, Gasabo District as a result of the government signing an agreement with TYN Tong Yang Moolsan -a South Korean company, to supply agricultural equipment.Currently, the progamme is operational in Gastibo, Nyagatare, Kirehe, Rwamagana, Ngoma and Bugesera districts. Others are Nyanza, Ruhango, Rulindo, Musanze and Gasabo.The centres also offer maintenance services as well training farmers how to operate and maintain tractors and other equipment.Charles Gahima, one of the farmers who bought the tractors, said it has greatly improved his production.“Before buying this tractor, I used to plant a few hectors, but now I prepare my land and plant on time, something that has enabled me to cultivate over 35 hectares,” said Gahima.