Ngoma: Maize Farmers warns Insufficient Post Harvest Facilities compared to the available Produce

Maize farmers in different parts of Ngoma District say they are expecting good for the Agricultural season 2021A, but some of them are worried that the harvest could be damaged due to the insufficient Post harvest handling facilities, TOP AFRICA NEWS has learnt.

Farmers are witnessing this, as the Ngoma District has now launched a campaign to take good care of the crops harvested during the 2021A crop season, which will end in February.

The district administration estimates that maize production is expected to be between 55,000 and 60,000 tonnes, of the total area under cultivation during this agriculture season of more than 21,000 hectares, in 14 sectors.

Maize farmers told MUHAZIYACU News website that there are concerns that their harvest will be damaged due to the lack of a good harvesting facilities.

Muhire Mathias said: “We are expecting good harvest, even though we had sunny period but the yield is good, I am cultivating about half a hectare and I am ready to grow two tonnes, but the problem is that we do not have enough Post Harvest Handling facilities. There is currently only one in the area, and we would like to have at least four warehouses in Karenge Cell, so that we can take care of the production. ”

Ngiruwonsanga Athanase also said: “unless they build it for us, but in the meantime, if we don’t get it, we will at least ask the authorities to help us get other methods that dry them properly”

In Ngoma District, on the other hand, there are those who are using hangars, which are modestly close to their homes and are helpful.

Uwimana Paulina said: “What helps is that when it rains and the corn is bent the water does not enter the inside, the corn is not damaged.”

However, this is not likely to properly work since we are in the raining season.

Ngoma District vice Mayor for Economic Development, Mapambano Nyiridandi says farmers should be careful not to damage the available maize production, as that is the only way they will find market for their produce.

“Every Farmer should think about the energy invested in farming, now that we are in the harvest period, it is time to take good care of the produce so that the buyer can buy the quality produce. And should be careful of damages that can be caused by ‘Aflatoxin’”

In Ngoma District there are about 111 modern maize Post Harvest Handling Facility and about 93 newly built in 2019-2020 season.

However, what the management has in common with the farmers is that the Post-harvest facilities are not enough compared to the available produce.