Following disasters that continue to destroy farmers' crops and kill domestic animals, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) has said that it is going to subsidize insurance cost for more crops and livestock so as to cushion farmers against losses.

They grow crops in Rwangingo marshland of more than 900 hectares straddling the Districts of Nyagatare and Gatsibo in Eastern Province that were flooded, ruining rice, maize, beans and soybean plantations while these crops are not even covered with insurance.

He also requested the ministry to enhance insurance to other crops since at present only maize and rice are insured for very few farmers across the country.

More crops, animals to be covered

Marion Nirere Mulindwa, the SPIU Coordinator at The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources said they are going to work with insurance companies to cover more crops beyond maize and rice.

For example for crop insurance, Irish potatoes, beans, soybeans and bananas, cassava and horticulture crops among others are the new value chains to consider, and for livestock poultry and piggery will be considered.