The Rwanda Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ildephonse Musafiri, has set the stage for a transformative approach to post-harvest management in Eastern Province. A consultative meeting held at the provincial headquarters in Rwamagana on January 11 saw the minister urging authorities to prioritize the establishment of food storage facilities across districts. This strategic initiative aims to curb post-harvest losses and elevate the efficiency of managing the anticipated abundance of maize harvest in the upcoming Season A 2024.
Bumper Harvest Anticipation in Eastern Province
With projections indicating a staggering harvest of over 500,000 tonnes of maize from 130,000 hectares in Eastern Province during Season A 2024, equivalent to an impressive 3.5 tonnes per hectare, the region is poised for agricultural success. Improved farming techniques, increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, and favorable weather conditions from the previous season have all contributed to this optimistic outlook. Cultivating 70% of the available land in the province further reinforces the anticipation of increased yields.
Collaborative Solutions Unveiled at Consultative Meeting
The consultative meeting brought together key stakeholders, including agriculture value chain actors, local leaders, and large-scale buyers, fostering an environment for innovative solutions to address post-harvest challenges. Among the proposed measures discussed were the establishment of food storage facilities, addressing middlemen issues, mobilizing large-scale buyers, providing sheeting for temporary shelters, and enhancing overall post-harvest infrastructure.
Challenges Highlighted by Farmers Propel Urgent Action
Farmers articulated several challenges during the meeting, emphasizing the need for immediate action. Counterfeit equipment, such as tents, poor feeder roads from farms to storage facilities, and the interference of speculators in the produce market were among the issues raised. Janet Cherie, the chairperson of the Rwangingo Farmers’ Cooperative, called for increased inspections and crackdowns on counterfeit equipment to protect farmers from financial losses.
Minister Musafiri Champions Collaborative Solutions
Minister Musafiri underscored the importance of collaboration between agriculture value chain actors and district administrations. He emphasized the establishment of food banks as a sustainable solution for post-harvest management. The collaboration is not only expected to address immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for long-term solutions, ensuring efficient storage of projected produce and preventing wastage.
Empowering Districts and Large-Scale Buyers for Sustainable Solutions
Minister Musafiri urged districts to establish food banks to store farmers’ produce, particularly those who lack access to cooperatives. This move aims to mitigate the influence of speculators and instill confidence in farmers, ultimately preventing unnecessary waste. Large-scale buyers in the province have already committed to purchasing a substantial amount of produce, with commitments from African Improved Foods, Minimex, Tubura, and others totaling 210,268 tonnes.
A Paradigm Shift Towards Sustainable Agricultural Practices
As Eastern Province gears up for a prolific harvest, the emphasis on proactive post-harvest management solutions marks a paradigm shift towards sustainable agricultural practices. Minister Musafiri’s visionary approach, coupled with the commitment of stakeholders, signals a promising era for Eastern Province, setting the stage for efficient post-harvest handling, increased farmer confidence, and sustained agricultural growth.
