Nyagatare: Rwangingo Farmers Decry Losses After Maize Seeds Failed

Maize farming is one of the key pillars of economic development in Nyagatare District, particularly in Karangazi Sector, where the Rwangingo marshland supports hundreds of farmers. The marshland is cultivated by small-scale farmers as well as those organized in groups and cooperatives, many of whom depend on it as their primary source of livelihood.

In previous seasons, the area has been known for producing good maize yields due to its fertile soils and irrigation system. For this reason, farmers have often welcomed government and partner programs that distribute improved seeds, hoping to increase productivity and improve their living standards.

However, this season, some farmers working in Rwangingo marshland say they have suffered significant losses after planting maize seeds that failed to perform and eventually withered before maturity. They are now calling on the relevant authorities to intervene, arguing that they invested substantial financial resources in their farms with the expectation of a good harvest.

According to several affected farmers, they planted the distributed seeds believing they were certified and of good quality. Instead, they were shocked to see their crops drying out and withering, with some plants failing to produce any cobs at all.

Munyaneza Jerome, one of the farmers in the marshland, says the losses are devastating because he had already spent money on fertilizers and labor. “We planted maize expecting a good harvest, but after a short time we noticed the crops were withering. We invested a lot of money, and now we are wondering how we will survive next season because we will have nothing to harvest,” he said.

Mukamana Beatrice, another farmer, explained that the problem did not affect her field alone but was widespread across the marshland. “It did not happen to me alone. Many farmers faced the same issue. We are asking for support and for authorities to investigate what caused these losses and help us recover,” she said.

The affected farmers are urging authorities to establish stronger seed quality control mechanisms before distributing seeds to farmers, emphasizing that agriculture is their main source of income and survival.

On the side of local authorities, the Acting Mayor of Nyagatare District, Kakooza Henry, confirmed that they are aware of the issue and that investigations are underway. “We are aware of the problem of the withered maize crops. We are following up on the matter in collaboration with relevant institutions to determine the cause and find a lasting solution. The most important thing is to ensure that farmers do not suffer such losses again in the future,” he said.

District officials say a thorough assessment will be conducted to determine whether the problem was caused by the seeds themselves, how they were used, or by other factors such as weather conditions and soil characteristics.

This situation has once again highlighted concerns raised by farmers in different parts of the country regarding seed quality and suitability. Many are calling for more rigorous testing and proper matching of seed varieties to specific soil and climate conditions to ensure that agriculture remains a driver of development rather than a source of financial loss.

Farmers in Rwangingo marshland say their immediate priority is to receive support that can restore their confidence and enable them to continue farming with greater security, so that their marshland can once again serve as a source of growth rather than hardship.