Rwanda’s agricultural ministry to construct US$1.57M agriculture drying facilities 

RWANDA – Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), is setting up chili and onion drying facilities in five regions across the country. 

The project aims to reduce post-harvest losses from 30% to 8% and improve the quality and market readiness of these crops.

The initiative, launched under the Smart Food Value Chain Management Project (SFVCM), includes the construction of a National Post-Harvest Center at NAEB headquarters in Kigali and regional facilities in Nyagatare, Bugesera, Rulindo, and Rubavu districts.

According to NAEB’s statement on its X (formerly Twitter) account, the Kigali facility will span 2,070 square meters, with a processing capacity of 40 metric tons per day. 

The facility will cost approximately US$1.57 million. 

The regional centers, each measuring 600 square meters, will have a daily processing capacity of 9.6 metric tons and will be constructed at US$666,000 per center. 

Equipment installation for all the facilities is estimated to cost US$1.2 million.

Speaking at the launch, Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, highlighted the benefits these facilities will bring to farmers. 

He stated that the improved storage options would enable farmers to hold their produce longer and sell at better prices, avoiding losses caused by the inability to preserve crops.

NAEB CEO Claude Bizimana emphasized the economic potential of the project, stating that it would create jobs in packaging, logistics, and agribusiness. 

He also noted that it would provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs and drive economic activity in local communities.

The project is expected to be completed by June 2025 and aims to generate around 2,000 jobs, 60% of which will be allocated to women.

Aimable Rusingizandekwe, the Project Manager at NAEB, stated that the initiative’s primary objectives, including reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing crop value, are targeted for completion by the end of 2026.

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