While it is time to sow for the farming season A called « Agatasi », residents of Kayanza (northern Burundi) do not know what to do. No market has selected corn seeds. Similarly, chemical fertilizers cannot be found anywhere, not even at the Provincial Directorate of Livestock and Agriculture. Authorities advise residents to think about alternative crops.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

No corn seeds on all markets in Kayanza, according to local sources.

« I have visited the known markets in the province. All the shops are short of selected seeds. We don’t really know what to do. It’s already time to sow, time is running out, » a resident of the Kabarore district complained to SOS Médias Burundi.

Other farmers also deplore a lack of chemical fertilizers.

« It’s serious. We don’t even have chemical fertilizers. We are thinking of going to get corn in other provinces, but we don’t know yet if we will find any. This season will be the most difficult for the population of Kayanza, » they predict.

The Provincial Bureau of Agriculture and Livestock is advising these residents to turn to other crops.

The feeling of being trapped….

Farmers in the province regret having been trapped and having sold their entire harvest to ANAGESSA (National Agency for the Management and Storage of Agricultural Products) created by the Burundian government.

« We realize that we have been deceived. I sold my entire harvest of more than 200 kg of corn to ANAGESSA. And when it comes to sowing, I am even missing a single kilo. I don’t understand! », regrets a resident of Muruta.

Everyone is asking the Ministry of Agriculture to find a quick solution to make corn seeds and chemical fertilizers available.

Kayanza is one of the provinces known to be the most productive. It has the advantage of having a large part of the natural forest of Kibira that can be used for agriculture all year round.

It is mainly known for food products such as corn, potatoes, onions and vegetables.

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A farmer in a corn field in Kirundo province in northern Burundi (SOS Médias Burundi)