{{There have been complaints among farmers that fertilizers pose negative effects sometime ending with undermining the quality of soil.}}<\/p>\n
However, Dr Agnes Kalibata the Minister of Agriculture has stated that chemical fertilizers pose no threat to the environment but rather enhance food productivity. <\/p>\n
Dr. Kalibata says a recent warning by the Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (Rema), that use of chemical fertilisers was counterproductive in the long-term, was uncalled for.<\/p>\n
Rema warned this month that increased use of chemical fertilisers may pose a major environmental hazard in the long-run. <\/p>\n
But Kalibata said chemical fertilisers should instead be regularly used and promoted because they are not hazardous to the environment and help increase production.<\/p>\n
She said use of chemical fertilizers in Rwanda remains low, adding that its use is essential if the country is to realise its targeted production levels.<\/p>\n
The minister said that in some countries, especially developed economies, farmers use 100 kilogrammes per hectare, while farmers in Rwanda use below 30kg per hectare.<\/p>\n
According to the environmental watchdog, there is need to promote and invest more in organic agriculture so as to reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Kalibata says the priority should be the use of chemical fertilisers to increase production to meet demand. <\/p>\n
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