Gov’t intervenes in fake watermelon seed issue

The Inspirer writer.

The ministry of agriculture and animal resources has announced that it is working on the issue of watermelon farmers who have counted losses due to fake seeds they had been given.

The New Times had reported that the fake seeds were supplied to farmers by a Kenyan firm — Kenya Seed Rwanda Ltd.

It had also imported a seed variety known as Watermelon Julie F1 from Simlaw Seeds Company supplied.

Normally, watermelon is harvested after 90 days. But to the farmers’ surprise in Bugesera, even 80 days after planting, the seeds had not flowered.

One farmer Safari Kanzeguhera from Kintambwe cell in Rweru sector had invested Rwf1.7 million hoping to generate Rwf2 million in profits in a space of three months but ended registering losses.

Responding to these farmers’tears, MINAGRI tweeted:” We have learnt about the loss farmers encountered.The Ministry has met &engaged Kenya Seeds Rwanda Ltd to address the issue. “

Kenya Seeds is working with our experts to find out the exact issue with these seeds & agree with farmers on compensation terms, the ministry added.

Rwanda Standards Board also replied on twitter:” It’s good that the issue is being followed up by RAB. It will be dealt with by the Board for sure to avoid losses to farmers and ensure quality seeds. Efforts to increase the watermelons produce around the country are well appreciated.”

This is not the first time farmers are complaining about fake seeds.

Recent examples include farmers who had planted soya on over 50 hectares in Huye District, which failed to yield. In 2017 some 100 farmers in Rusizi District incurred losses due to substandard seeds.