Rwandan citizens attending this year’s National Umushyikirano Council have lauded agricultural activities for their significant contribution in improving lives of many Rwandan families.
The comments were made on the first day of the 16th Umushyikirano that is running from December 13-14, 2018, at Kigali Convention Centre. The annual 2-day event, opened by President Paul Kagame, gathered Rwandans from all parts of the country and the diaspora.
During the session discussions, participants pointed out that agricultural activities remain the key drivers in increasing income for many households ; thus improving their lives.
Annonciata Mukafurika, one of the participants from Jabana Sector of Gasabo District, said that she’s been able to improve her earnings thanks to farming activities.
The lady, who grows plants that produce beads, said she started with only Frw 5000, and she now gets 600 kgs of beads per season ; selling one kilogramme at Frw 5000. She also works with other 340 farmers in beads production.
“I’ve been realizing significant improvement in my life thanks to beads production. I therefore call up on fellow Rwandans to venture into farming as this sector has huge opportunities for employment and wealth creation.”
Esperance, a coffee grower from Gakenke District, lauded the country’s leadership for putting in place a conducive environment that enable them to do farming activities that pay off.
“Our lives are getting better thanks to coffee farming. We sell our coffee produce at 8.7 USD per kilogramme, and we plan to reach even more markets,” the farmer said.
Other participants also lauded different agricultural initiatives such as the national subsidy programme that facilitate the farmers to get improved seeds and fertilizers at cheaper prices.
However, some of the farmers requested support in strengthening post-harvest management of irish potato production is available in abundance. The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr Gerardine Mukeshimana said that the government is working with the private sector to establish cold rooms that will enable the farmers to store their Potato produce for a longer time.
In 2017, the Rwanda Agriculture sector contributed 31 per cent to the GDP. The sector is also key in improving the livelihoods of Rwandans as it employs 58 per cent of the Rwandan working population.
Source :MINAGRI
