Nyagatare -Farmers welcome Maize drying Shelters closer to them
By NAYITURIKI Anicet, Nyagatare
Maize farmers in Nyagatare district commend the district for the construction of maize drying shelters, which save them from the loss that occurs when they are unable to get drying shelters for their maize produce, which in turn also leads to a decline in the market.
For example, maize farmers in Kirebe cell in Rwimiyaga sector who are members of the Icyerekezo Cooperative, have recently received a modern maize drying shelter. In their testimonies, as well as others in the district, they agree on the advantages of being closer to the shelters.
They go on to say that they lacked a place to store maize, and that rainfall was detrimental to their harvest.
The Nyagatare district administration, however, has indicated that it has taken steps to address the issue, with more than 160 Maize drying shelters being established across Nyagatare district so far.
Farmers say the construction of the shelters will help them increase the produce and ensure that they get a good harvest and that they can get rid of any problems in their farming activities.
Mutabaruka Fulgence, head of the Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Natural Resources, said the district will continue to construct maize drying shelters in the area where they are needed to ensure that agricultural products are properly processed and thus reach a quality desired on the market.
In Nyagatare district, when the needs of maize farming are met in time, i.e. rainfall, fertilizer etc., an annual production of 160,000 tonnes of maize so that once such needs are met this yield can be increased, as farmers said.
