Ruhango: Farmers encouraged to embrace irrigation to boost productivity amid unpredictable rainfall

By The Inspirer.

Farmers cultivating in the Biringanya wetland, located in Ruhango District, have been urged to adopt irrigation methods during the dry season, rather than waiting for the unpredictable rains of the coming growing season.

This advice was given during the official launch of the 2025 first cropping season, where local authorities from Ruhango Sector, alongside members of the Advisory Council, joined farmers in kickstarting the planting period.

Rwemayire Rekeraho Pierre Claver, President of the Ruhango Sector Advisory Council, stressed that the delayed rains should not hinder agricultural activities in the swamp area, given that farmers have access to both water resources and irrigation equipment.

“The abundance of water from the river can be harnessed while waiting for the rainy season, allowing crops to mature more efficiently when the rains arrive,” Rwemayire noted. “We recommend that farmers prioritize irrigation. As the Advisory Council, we will advocate for the procurement of additional irrigation pumps to complement the equipment they have already received.”

Anastase Mudaheranwa, a farmer working in the Biringanya wetland, expressed concerns regarding the existing irrigation machinery, explaining that the pumps have high water output, which can lead to crop damage. “We are requesting that agricultural authorities provide us with machines that regulate water output to avoid over-irrigation,” he said.

David Matabaro, a seed multiplier in Ruhango District, highlighted the importance of water-efficient irrigation practices. He pointed out that some farmers remain unaware of the benefits of utilizing river water for irrigation in the wetlands they cultivate. “Having access to water in the fields is a tremendous advantage, and farmers must capitalize on this resource to boost yields,” Matabaro advised.

The Biringanya wetland spans an area of 60 hectares, connecting parts of Ruhango and Bweramana sectors. Farmers here practice crop rotation, growing maize, beans, and sweet potatoes to maintain soil fertility and ensure sustainable production.

By adopting improved irrigation techniques, farmers in Ruhango are expected to enhance crop resilience and increase agricultural productivity, despite the challenges posed by erratic rainfall patterns.

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