Mantai — Members of the vegetable farming association in Ruba Mantai are striving to meet market demand, besides expanding activities through introducing irrigation farming.

They stated that they embarked on irrigation farming in 2006 with limited experience following the encouragement of the Gash-Barka regional Administration, and that at present they have acquired rich experience in this regard. Such activities have enabled them not only to improve their standard of living but also pay back all their debts.

Noting that they were not initially well aware of the significance of irrigation farming in boosting output, the members said that a number of other farmers are now practicing irrigation farming as a result of the effective work accomplished by the association.

The chairman of the association, Mr. Hassen Husein, pointed out that over 7 hectares are under cultivation and that different fruits and vegetable are being supplied to the markets in Mensura, Adi-Kukui, Diluk, Tinshiai and Enda-Romadi. He went on to say that such undertaking would continue in an enhanced manner and highlighted the need for support on the part of agricultural experts.

The association comprises 13 members and engages in vegetable farming along the banks of the Mantai stream.