Ngoma District Rwf271 Million Irrigation Program to irrigate fruits and vegetables in the Zaza and Mundederi sectors this week unveiled green technology that uses solar energy to distribute water to 20 hectares of smallholder farmers’ land.
The project aims to benefit about 1,200 residents by installing solar pump systems and irrigating 10 hectares in Zaza and 10 hectares in Muntederi, each with 500m3 reservoirs each, using Lake Mugessera water and a water source in Mutenderi.
Farmers now plant bell peppers, French beans, melons, and eggplant on the Zaza site, with bell peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, and egg yolks at the Muntenderi station.
“The only role of the lake was water for domestic use,” said Sophia Mukamukiza, a 25-year-old farmer from Ruyagah, Nyazaariba, Nijaariba. “We used to sow two seasons a year, but now we sow at any time. This will help us to grow financially. There really is a big difference. ”
Denise Niramahoro, from the Rohingya cell of Niigagandagaza Village, Zaza, planted French beans, and this was her first foray into farming. And she hopes things will go well for her.
“There were only strong people here in agriculture, because irrigation was difficult, and the use of pumps was too expensive to irrigate. But now it’s easier, just put a hose in the sink and the crops will drink. ”
Faustin Sebahir Uwihanganiye, one hectare of Ruhinga, Zaza sector, produces bell peppers, peppers and melons.
He has been in agriculture for about 15 years, but in the past he has traditionally used watering cans. Later, a person bought pumping systems through the government program Nkunganire, which pays 50 percent of the cost of the system.
Since the inception of the new plan, Uwihangane has already collected pepper for the summer season (C).
“We had to invest Rwf600,000-700,000 on one hectare, gasoline and irrigation systems. “Only people who can afford to make such an investment can make it vulnerable. This project has come to make it all easier.”
To ensure the sustainability of the project, the committee was organized by the association to ensure that the farmers complete the maintenance payments on time. Terimbere Muhinzi, a 35-member cooperative, is made up of 14 women.
The project was launched to increase market access for the most vulnerable groups in both sectors through productivity, climate resilience and market access, implemented by RWARRI and supported by the Rwanda Green Fund. (Phone).
“The sun, which had caused the drought in the past, is now changing people’s lives for irrigation,” said UWZEE LANDE, executive director of RWARRI.
Jean-Marie Vianni Haugimana of Fonua said this was achieved in collaboration with Ngoma Woreda, a government-funded “Small-Irrigation Technology (SST) Government”. “It’s about mitigating the effects of climate change, changing the lives of smallholder farmers,” he said.
Recognizing that the cost of production is high for farmers, Deputy Mayor of Ngoma District, Siriak Nirindi Mapambano, said the project is part of the country’s natural resource development.
“We have many water sources here in Ngoma, three lakes; Laughter, Mugesera and Birira are somehow in the same area. We want to use them for the benefit of the farmer; He announced.
Another major irrigation program, Ngoma Noma 22, is located in the Rorenge and Remera sectors, irrigating 300 hectares and 265 hectares in the hills. Chia seeds are a very popular crop. There are also two other plans for irrigating 20 hectares of land in the Rukumberry and Rukira sectors.
In every woreda, farmers can get 50 percent subsidy from the government by purchasing small irrigation technologies. According to Deputy Mayor Mapambano, about 400 irrigation systems have been provided to farmers in the woreda over the past two years. Ngoma owns a total of 1,643 hectares of irrigated land, and the government plans to develop 2,300 hectares by 2024.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com
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