NGOZI March 13th (ABP) – The Minister of the Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, Mr. Sanctus Niragira, outlined the main priorities of that ministry, during his visit to Ngozi province on Friday March 10, 2023.
These are the protection of arable land in particular and the environment in general, the growth of agricultural and animal production, as well as the conservation and processing of production.
Concerning the first axis, the ministry plans the use of good quality manure, the growing of trees on all the hills and on the banks of the rivers, and the drawing of contour lines. Speaking of irrigation, Mr. Niragira revealed that the ministry has identified irrigable areas to erect adequate infrastructure for crop growing even during the arid period.
With regard to the growth of agricultural and animal production, it is planned to increase seed centers, the creation of agro-poles in Karusi and Cibitoke provinces and agricultural outreach centers as well as the introduction of new crops.
For the livestock component, the ministry intends to introduce thoroughbred animals from Kenya and Belgium. Some 310 cows should arrive shortly in breeding centers.
Regarding the conservation and processing of production, it will be a question of multiplying the processing units, creating farming centers in the communes and phytosanitary and veterinary pharmacists.
Among the major challenges, he highlighted the population growth, climate change, the lack of seed centers and agricultural experts, not to mention the notorious lack of the necessary agricultural equipment, laboratory equipment and mobility tools for agronomists.