RWANDA – Rwanda is currently experiencing a significant transformation in its pork industry with the launch of state-of-the-art pig abattoirs across the country.
These modern facilities represent a substantial investment in the nation’s agriculture sector and usher in a new era of enhanced food safety and quality assurance standards.
The recent inauguration of multiple pig abattoirs in various Rwandan districts marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to elevate food safety protocols.
Each facility is designed to process up to 50 pigs per day, ensuring that the entire production chain adheres to stringent hygiene and quality control measures.
Fabrice Ndayisenga, Head of the Department of Animal Resources Innovation and Technology Transfer at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB), emphasizes that these advanced abattoirs are set to revolutionize the pork industry in Rwanda.
By utilizing cutting-edge technology and rigorous standards, Rwanda aims to produce meat products of unmatched quality, catering to both domestic and international markets.
The strategic location of these abattoirs is serving dual purposes: empowering local pig farmers and safeguarding consumer health.
With an investment of approximately Rwf1.3 billion (US$1.006 million), Rwanda is showcasing its dedication to supporting small-scale livestock farming and providing its citizens with access to safe and healthy meat products.
Over the past decade, the pig sector in Rwanda has grown substantially due to rising domestic and export demand for pork – as of 2019, Rwanda was producing an estimated 23,000 tonnes of pork annually, with a target to boost production to 68,000 tonnes by 2024.
Also, the national pig herd has nearly doubled, increasing from 684,708 in 2010 to an estimated 1,498,721 in 2022.
In addition to meeting domestic needs, Rwanda’s investment in modern abattoirs is positioning the country to enhance its meat exports – the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) reports that Rwanda’s meat exports have seen a significant increase, reaching US$22.3 million in 2022/23.
Key destinations include neighboring African countries such as the DR Congo, as well as emerging markets in North America and Europe.
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