Rwanda Defence Force boosts food security with sweet potatoes
The plan kicked off two weeks after army worms, a pest that surprisingly attacked hundreds of hectares of maize and sorghum, alerting farmers of a possible poor harvest. A specific commitment to counter this anticipated shortage is on the agenda of RDF, and among the solutions, one is to grow sweet potatoes in every free space.
“As part of army week, RDF will help the community grow sweet potatoes on many vacant arable lands across the country,” Jean Claude Kayisinga, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture told the Rwanda Eye.
“It’s not just to counter the effects of army worms, but our general resolve to make sure that there is no food shortage in the country.”
Barely ten days after the launch of army week, RDF has planted 42.8 hectares. Apart from sweet potatoes, RDF will contribute to growing other plants, to ensure total food security in the country.
source: rwandaeye.com
