{"id":51173,"date":"2024-08-09T08:06:13","date_gmt":"2024-08-09T08:06:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/cultivating-with-the-sun-solar-energy-farming-practices-gain-traction-in-rwanda\/"},"modified":"2024-08-11T17:39:40","modified_gmt":"2024-08-11T17:39:40","slug":"cultivating-with-the-sun-solar-energy-farming-practices-gain-traction-in-rwanda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/cultivating-with-the-sun-solar-energy-farming-practices-gain-traction-in-rwanda\/","title":{"rendered":"Cultivating with the sun: Solar energy farming practices gain traction in Rwanda"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Paul Intwari, an engineer working with ETS Construction Company in Kigali, told IGIHE during a recent interview that farmers in various parts of the country are increasingly adopting solar-powered pumps. <\/p>\n<p>Intwari is one of the experts helping farmers adopt new farming techniques by designing and installing solar-powered pump systems. He primarily works with farmers engaged in irrigation farming.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe start by designing the system and support the farmers through installation and training on how to use it,\u201d Intwari said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73668 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0705.jpg\" alt=\"Paul Intwari is an engineer working with ETS Construction Company in Kigali.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>IGIHE caught up with Intwari at the 17th Rwanda Agriculture Show, where ETS Company is showcasing various tools and machines that farmers can use to take their farming to a new level.<\/p>\n<p>A civil engineer by training, the 31-year-old revealed that most of the farmers buying their equipment are engaged in fruit, vegetable, and bean farming.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73667 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/paul_engineer.jpg\" alt=\"Paul Intwari says most farmers are embracing solar-powered pumps due to low maintenance costs.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>According to him, most of the farmers embracing solar-powered pumps have done so due to the low maintenance costs. While the initial cost of purchasing a solar system is high, it is relatively inexpensive to maintain in the long run compared to fuel-powered pumps.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We recommend that clients use solar because it has minimal maintenance costs. Additionally, the pumps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73674 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0701.jpg\" alt=\"A solar pumping system design.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>To meet the growing demand for solar-powered pumps, ETS Construction Company has partnered with Lorentz, a Germany-based company renowned for manufacturing a wide range of solar pumps.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We offer various types of pumps. We have small pumps suited for small-scale farmers involved in livestock and irrigation, as well as larger pumps that can serve over 10 hectares, including submersible pumps,&#8221; the engineer explained.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73670 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0848.jpg\" alt=\"A vegetable farm exhibition at the 17th Rwanda Agriculture Show.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>The prices for a complete kit comprising a solar panel, pump, and its accessories, including pipes, start from Rwf2 million. Advanced pump systems suitable for large-scale commercial farming range between Rwf100 million and Rwf120 million.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73676 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0708.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>{{Government Subsidies }}<\/p>\n<p>Claude Rugirangoga, an irrigation engineer with Open Construction and Related Services Ltd, said that subsidies offered by the government have significantly contributed to the uptake of solar-powered pumps.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73672 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0743.jpg\" alt=\"Open Construction and Related Services Ltd expo site.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>The government has been actively promoting solar energy and sustainable agricultural practices, including providing subsidies and financial support for solar-powered technologies.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73673 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0685.jpg\" alt=\"A large-scale solar powered pump.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Rugirangoga noted that the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), in collaboration with development partners, supports farmers with up to 75% financing to purchase solar kits.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFarmers interested in the subsidy are required to visit their sector offices and fill out forms to apply for it. If approved, they pay only 25% of the cost for the kits, while the government covers the remaining amount,\u201d Rugirangoga explained.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73675 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0712.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>The grants are also available to farmers seeking to buy tractors to improve their farming. Farmers can access up to 70% financing, according to Didier Nahayo, the Commercial Director at Rwanda Motor.<\/p>\n<p>Rugirangoga, like Intwari, agrees that farming with solar-powered pumps is more profitable compared to petrol or diesel-powered pumps. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cSolar pumps are cost-effective as you make a one-time payment when buying,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73671 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0757.jpg\" alt=\"Tractors on display at the 17th Rwanda Agriculture Show.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>However, he observed that the main disadvantage of the pumps is the limited number of technicians available.<\/p>\n<p>The 17th Rwanda Agriculture Show kicked off at Mulindi\/Gasabo Showground on July 31, 2024. The exhibition will close on August 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<p>The show provides farmers and companies with an opportunity to showcase their products and services, while also facilitating extensive networking opportunities. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73677 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0855.jpg\" alt=\"Sozo Company showcases high-quality maize and bean seeds at the 17th Rwanda Agriculture Show.\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Many people attend the expos to connect with industry experts, explore the latest technologies and innovations, and engage in meaningful discussions that could lead to new collaborations and business ventures.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I am here to learn the best farming practices from big farmers,&#8221; Francois Bizimana, a pig farmer from Musanze, revealed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73678 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0833-2.jpg\" alt=\"Francois Bizimana, a pig farmer from Musanze, was among attendees of the 2024 agriculture show.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73666 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/solar-2.jpg\" alt=\"Paul Intwari, an engineer working with ETS Construction Company in Kigali, told IGIHE during a recent interview that farmers in various parts of the country are increasingly adopting solar-powered pumps.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73679 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0578.jpg\" alt=\"Kenya Seed Company expo site.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73683 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0583.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73680 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0631.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73681 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0608.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73682 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0601.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-73684 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/054a0590.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Farmers in Rwanda are gradually adopting new, efficient farming techniques aimed at boosting their production while also promoting the use of green energy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000073665,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[75],"byline":[192],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-51173","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-science-technology","tag-homenews","byline-wycliffe-nyamasege"],"bylines":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":131}],"contributors":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default 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