The Rwandan government, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), has announced a strategic initiative to plant 240,000 avocado seedlings across 800 hectares and 60,000 mango seedlings on 200 hectares within the next four years. This move is aimed at enhancing the country's horticultural export capabilities. The avocado expansion will see the implementation of grafted seedlings in five districts: Rusizi, Huye, Nyanza, Rwamagana, and Bugesera, employing grafting techniques to optimize horticultural attributes. Conversely, mango seedlings are set to be cultivated in Rusizi and Bugesera.
Additionally, the government has unveiled plans to augment macadamia production, with an agenda to plant 102,000 seedlings over 100 hectares in various districts, including Nyamasheke and Karongi. This initiative is part of Rwanda's broader objective to escalate the production of high-value horticultural commodities, thereby solidifying Rwanda's position in the global horticultural market.
Emerging commodities Division Manager at NAEB, Jean Bosco Mulindi, expressed that these endeavors aim to elevate agricultural exports and ameliorate the economic status of smallholder farmers. Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), this horticultural transformation initiative is poised to enhance farmer productivity and income while creating substantial employment opportunities. A significant focus is placed on avocado and mango seedling production through a community-based approach, targeting the involvement of youth and women's groups to uplift living standards.
From the perspective of local farmers, there's an emphasis on the necessity for government interventions such as structured pricing to ensure fair compensation for their produce. For instance, the current price for avocados stands at approximately USD 0.07, which farmers like Jean Paul Nkengabo find misaligned with reality. Furthermore, the challenges of accessing fertilizers and establishing fixed pricing for crops like macadamia, currently priced at around USD 1.12 per kilogram, are highlighted by farmers as critical areas needing attention to foster productive farming practices.
Source: The New Times