Dr Agnes Karibata said that during a show during which she was explaining about the claims that the seeds of maize provided to farmers since the beginning of this agriculture term were not as effective as expected.
The show was broadcasted by different radio stations including: Isango star,the host,,Inkoramutima, Izuba, Ishingiro,Isangano,and Voice of Africa.
The aim was to discuss on the different cases pertaining to the use of fertilizers and seeds during this agricultural term.
Different guest speakers including MINAGRI Chief , Madame Agnes Karibata , RAB deputy manager ,Mr Innocent Musabyimana ,and Ms Florantine a journalist from Huguka radio stations,a radio that mostly covers stories pertaining to agriculture.
The show guided by journalists Fred Muvunyi and Solange Ayanone
The major topic to discuss related to the fact that the seeds of maize provided to farmers did not grow as effectively as expected.
Madame Karibata said that this was due to a viral infection discovered thereafter the seeding activities started.
“The crisis was found after 10% of seeds was given to farmers and cultivated .Thus ,we took the remaining seeds back to prevent them from being used while the crisis was still underway, said Minister Karibata.
Asked why the Ministry did not prevent this from happening as a Ministry that is responsible of that , Dr Karibata said that the Ministry, with its stakeholders, purchased the seeds assuming they were for the best quality as usual but later on found that some of the seeds were contaminated.
After we found these seeds were contaminated we withdrew the rest of it as to prevent the rest of the soil and seeds from being contaminated, replied the Minister of Agriculture , Karibata.
About the claims on replacing the hybrid seeds of maize for beans,Minister Karibata said that this is not something technically wrong as both seeds can co-grow and if one spoils another one remains intact and people do not starve from hunger.
All that the Ministry does is in the interest of Rwandans ,to ensure that Rwandans are food secured, Dr Karibata says.
Journalist Florentine said that seeds of Irish potatoes both delayed to be provided to farmers and were too expensive.
To this Dr Karibata said that the problem is not that, rather it relates to the fact that farmers keep seeding a unique Irish potatoes sample within a unique soil that gets old after a relatively long time of use.
People should know that the seeds are expensive as regard to the crops or products harvested thereafter, replied Minister Karibata, who assured Rwandans that seeds are being distributed to farmers across the nation as to help them seed before the seeding period ends up.
Asked about what is reserved for the farmers who are likely to loose their products, she said that the private sector has invested into agriculture insurances to assist them in case they face losses.
The first Agriculture term starts from September-October and ends in January-February each year.
The MINAGRI says that the current one has started earlier to prevent losses that likely could happen if the rainy season ends unexpectedly,said Mr Innocent Musabyimana
This show was held in collaboration with the Instititut Panos Paris(IPP)and L’ Association Rwandaise des Journalistes (ARJ) both aiming at promoting debate on issues that concern Rwanda.
This weekly show on six radio stations highlighted in the introduction takes place every Sunday from 2h00Pm up to 3 Pm.It is financially supported by the European Union.
NIZEYIMANA Jean Pierre
UM– USEKE.RW.
