Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) will harvest about 2000 tons of maize this season in the Military Farm located in the Military domain, Gabiro Barracks. The produce will partly be bought for Strategic Food Reserve with the extra sold at The EAC Commodities Exchange market.
The Minister of Agriculture, Agnes Kalibata accompanied with the Minister of defence, Gen James Kabarebe on 2 February 2014 launched the harvest exercise.
The maize to be harvested covers 664 ha at Gabiro, in Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts. Over two thousand citizens from the two districts were employed in the farm.
Minister Kalibata said that the maize crop yield to be harvested in Gabiro RDF Farm indicate how the region is fertile and with irrigation, mechanization and other methods, this would be a food basket for the whole country. The Government is in the process of using irrigation in near future in the area by using Akagera River, she said.
With the current maize crops, the Minister of defence, Gen James Kabarebe requested extra Combined Harvesters and other technical support from the Ministry of agriculture.
Minister Kalibata promised full support and said that the crops will be directed in the Food Reserves for the country.
The RDF spokesperson, Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita said that with developmental activities RDF is tackling human security issue. ” There is no doubt the country is protected and has security. However, RDF is engaged in comprehensive Human Security which involves food security. To achieve our mission we need to work in collaboration with our people” he said.
RDF is targeting to plant beans on 300 ha for next Season B and a total of 1343 ha that will be cultivated in 2015 A season beginning September 2014. Mechanization including use of helicopters for weeding and pest control will be used to increase crop produce said Brig Gen Nzabamwita.
RDF runs other developmental projects including cassava farming in Gako, Bugesera district, cattle farming in Songa and diary in Nyanza district and pigs project developed in Kicukiro district.
MoD
UM– USEKE.RW
