This was announced by Prime Minister, Dr. Eduard Ngirente on Tuesday while presenting the status of agriculture sector to members of both chambers of parliament.
Ngirente said that agriculture growth stood at 7% in 2017 up from 4% in 2016. In livestock and livestock products, productivity increased by 11%.
He said that agriculture and livestock contributed 31% to Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017 from 28% in 2010.
Among different measures to increase the sector’s productivity, Ngirente said that Rwanda targets to increase irrigated land to 102,284 hectares.
“On measures to increase contribution of agriculture and animal resources sector to the economy of the country, the government targets to increase irrigated surface to 102,284 hectares by 2024 from 48,598 hectares in 2017,” he said.
However, members of parliament raised a concern on water shortage in different parts of the country asking whether it would not hamper the implementation of the programme.
The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Dr. Geraldine Mukeshimana responded to MPs’ concerns saying that they are putting in efforts in using water from rivers and lakes through pumping techniques.
“There are no more projects to increase water for irrigation than using water harvesting systems, and rivers and lakes which we hope will make good impact,” she explained.
By referencing to World Bank report of 2016, Minister Ngirente said the contribution of agriculture sector to Rwanda’s GDP continues to be vital.
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