RATIN

Government allocates Frw 200 million subsidy

Posted on June, 28, 2017 at 10:08 am


The Government of Rwanda has allocated Frw 200 million to support farmers who seek agro-insurance in the next fiscal year 2017/18, according to Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Gerardine Mukeshimana.

“This is the first time we’re allocating a portion of our budget to subsidize agro-insurance. We’re doing so because we’ve realized that some farmers may not be able to afford the agro-insurance cost as the climate change is increasingly becoming unpredictable,” explained Minister Mukeshimana.

The minister made the statement on June 21, 2017 while briefing journalists on the 12th Kigali National Agriculture Show. The 12th edition of the agrishow, taking place from June 22 to 27, 2017 at Mulindi showground in Kigali, is themed: “Adopt climate resilient technologies to improve farmer livelihoods.”   

The Minister also added that the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) is promoting small scale irrigation technologies as another way to enable farmers cope with climate change effects.

Farmland under irrigation both on small and large scale irrigation is around 45000ha.

The government subsidizes the small scale irrigation scheme up to 50% while farmers pay only half of the cost of irrigation equipment they get through the scheme. It is an incentive to encourage farmers to adopt transformative productive agriculture.

“Our farmers need to know how to use agricultural technologies to cope with climate change,” she said.

During the agrishow, farmers and private sector will use the forum to find new products, services and partnerships to cope with climate change effects.

The Kigali National Agrishow is yearly event organized by MINAGRI to exhibit innovations & best practices in Agric sector in Rwanda. It is ideal platform that brings exhibitors and visitors together for exchange of information, experience, and getting investment opportunities.  

Farmers, financial institutions, private companies, and NGOs   among others will exhibit different agricultural products and technologies.  The 12th Kigali national agrishow has attracted more than 150 exhibitors, while it attracted 115 exhibitors last year.

Source: Republic of Rwanda - Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI)