Day 2 of the knowledge-sharing sessions under the second Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP II) featured an avocado farmer who shared his translation from tradition manual irrigation using jerrycans to modern irrigation method that have reduced costs and improved productivity.
Kubana Ignace from Nyamagabe District, Cyanika Sector, Gitega Cell, Miko Village serves as one of the program's beneficiaries.
Kubana grows two avocado varieties Hass and Fuerte with 450 trees planted on 6 ares of land. He has completed three harvests which resulted in 200 kilograms of produce that he sells for 800 Rwandan francs per kilogram.
The period before SAIP II assistance created obstacles for him to overcome.
“When I started growing avocados, the sun was a big challenge because I used 20 jerrycans a day, three times a week, and paid 25,000 francs to people who helped with irrigation.”
He obtained an irrigation machine together with its necessary equipment following his SAIPII membership.
“Now I irrigate in just one day, and it costs me about 6,000 francs per day, including workers and fuel.” The farmer from Kubana expressed his gratitude to SAIP II for their assistance in his agricultural progress and he intends to increase the size of his avocado farm.
The activity showed how SAIP II works to boost agricultural output while helping farmers enter markets and ensuring food security in its operational areas.
Written By Alice Dusabimana