Gicumbi: Farmers to plant wheat on 50 hectares despite prolonged daily rainfall
During the launch of the 2026 Season B farming activities, farmers said they are committed to maximizing the use of radical terraces that were provided to them free of charge.
Despite the ongoing heavy rains lasting many hours each day, they expressed confidence that they will achieve good yields by using agricultural inputs such as organic manure mixed with mineral fertilizers, as well as planting improved seeds that meet market demand.
Farmers in the district also noted that they will cultivate consolidated land so they can harvest at the same time. They plan to work through cooperatives, which will help them collect wheat for household consumption, for sale, and for storage using modern methods known as FOBASI.
They shared this on March 19, 2026, while planting wheat seeds in Cyumba Sector, Nyakabungo Cell, at a site known as Remera. They were encouraged to properly conserve the soil and remain cautious during this period of heavy rainfall.
The Vice Mayor of Gicumbi District in charge of Economic Development, Uwera Parfaite, urged residents to take good care of the land developed under the Green Gicumbi project. She emphasized the importance of using mineral fertilizers combined with well-decomposed organic manure, noting that properly prepared manure helps prevent crop pests in farmers’ fields.
She said: “We ask farmers to properly plant wheat on these 50 hectares of prepared land, set clear targets to achieve satisfying yields, and work within cooperatives.
This will help you combine efforts in managing the selected sites, consolidate land, and practice modern farming through the FOBASI approach.”
She also added that farmers in Cyumba Sector should register for the Smart Nkunganire program, which will enable them to access farm inputs at subsidized prices. This will help them produce enough wheat for both consumption and the market.
Some farmers interviewed by Green Africa expressed gratitude for receiving free radical terraces, access to fertilizers, and improved seeds. They reaffirmed their commitment to working together in cooperatives and practicing professional farming to improve their livelihoods.
Mukamana Dative said: “We were given quality seeds, and we appreciate the leadership and the Green Gicumbi project for constructing terraces for us. We will work together in cooperatives and ensure we achieve a good harvest.”
Another farmer, Munyabuzare, noted that unity makes everything possible and appreciated that the district leadership has brought agricultural experts closer to them, especially at the sites prepared under the FOBASI system.
District authorities reiterated the importance of professional farming and encouraged farmers to seek support from local leaders whenever they face challenges, so that solutions can be found collaboratively.
They also urged residents to make good use of the harvest, support their families, grow vegetables and fruits, buy nutritious foods such as small fish (indagara), and maintain hygiene to fight malnutrition.
Residents expressed appreciation for the continuous support from local authorities, the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), and other partners who are committed to improving their livelihoods.
They emphasized that the current focus is to place the citizen at the center of development.
