Farmers in Gatsibo district demand repair of water pump critical for irrigated agriculture
Farmers cultivating vegetables, maize, and other crops on consolidated land in Ntete, Kiramuruzi Sector, Gatsibo District, report significant losses since a key water pump drawing water from Lake Muhazi to irrigate their crops broke down. They are now calling for urgent support to repair the pump.
The district authorities have acknowledged the issue and committed to resolving it swiftly, with farmers actively involved in finding a solution.
This 10-hectare plot, owned by the farmers and consolidated for more efficient use, relies on solar-powered pumps to draw water from Lake Muhazi, enabling the irrigation of their crops on elevated terrain. The project was a collaboration between Gatsibo District and the Hinga Weze project, initially involving two pumps.
However, after one of the pumps failed, farmers have been left to ration water from the remaining pump, limiting irrigation capacity and slowing agricultural productivity.
The farmers are appealing for repairs to the second pump so they can resume full-year planting cycles as before.
When approached, Gatsibo District’s Mayor, Richard Gasana, admitted that district officials were unaware of the issue, despite farmers claiming it has persisted for two years. Nevertheless, he pledged that the district would find a timely solution, noting that farmers would also need to play a part in addressing the problem.
Under optimal conditions, the two pumps can supply up to 617 cubic meters of water to irrigate the entire 10-hectare plot, allowing farmers to grow water-intensive crops such as tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, and maize. However, without the second pump, the project’s output is significantly hampered.