Over 40,000 farmers to benefit from advanced horticulture farming

The project which started last year was officially inaugurated recently in Muhanga district, Southern Province and will extend support to farmers in Karongi, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, Rubavu and Ngororero districts.

Dubbed Hortinvest, the project was funded by Netherlands’ embassy to Rwanda. It is implemented by SNV Rwanda in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) and other partners, ending in 2021 .

Damien Ngwabije, one of farmers in Karongi district who benefited from the project at the outset said that the project supports them get skills in modern farming of onions, tomatoes, tree tomatoes, pineapples, Passiflora edulis and pepper among others.

“Before the project we planted in a disorganized way but today we have got enough training. We learn that the secret to increased yields lies in giving attention to crops, timely weeding, and mulching,” he said.

Through the project, farmers get training on advanced practices of planting fruits and vegetables, using compost and other fertilizers, land preparation, combating pests and proper harvest handling.

They are also trained in managing farmers’ cooperatives to increase yields and commercialization of farming.

Netherlands’ ambassador to Rwanda, Frédérique de Man said that both countries enjoy long standing cooperation in the promotion of horticulture. He expressed optimism that the project will especially combat stunting among children, improve farmers’ incomes and national economic performance.

“Firstly, the project aligns with policies to combat malnutrition. You know that such issue requires special efforts to be addressed. Secondly, it is about increasing value to agricultural yields through various projects of planting fruits and vegetables,” she said.

The 2015 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted once per five years indicated that 38% of children under five are suffering from stunting.

Amb. Frédérique said that farmers have been acquainted with necessary knowledge within a year observing that farmers still need a lot to increase the value of their produce to attract local and international markets.

Sandrine URUJENI, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) said: “The project is promising, demonstrates the importance of horticulture on the side of increasing exports and combating malnutrition.”