The Rwandan parliament has summoned Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, to address concerns over post-harvest losses incurred by onion farmers. The issue was raised by Deputy Christine Mukabunani, who cited cases of onion farmers in Rubavu experiencing significant losses due to inadequate storage facilities. The lawmakers expressed worry over the recurring problem, with Deputy Nizeyimana Pie noting that farmers often harvest large quantities of onions, only to see them rot due to lack of proper storage and market access.
According to Deputy Nizeyimana Pie, onion farmers in districts such as Nyabihu and Muhanga have seen their produce go to waste due to insufficient storage capacity and limited market access. The lawmakers are seeking answers on what measures the government has put in place to mitigate these losses and ensure that farmers can store and market their produce effectively. They also want to know what support farmers can expect from the government to prevent similar losses in the future.
Minister Ndabamenye responded to the concerns, revealing that the government has plans to construct infrastructure to facilitate the drying and storage of produce, including onions. He mentioned that a center in Gikondo is near completion and will be equipped with drying machines. The minister also noted that similar centers will be built in districts with high onion production, such as Nyagatare, Bugesera, Rulindo, and Rubavu.
The minister's response was in reaction to a question posed by Deputy Mukabunani regarding a case in Rubavu where farmers were provided with a machine to sort onions, but instead received a machine that damaged the produce, resulting in significant losses. The deputy sought clarification on what the government had done to address the issue and provide support to the affected farmers.
Minister Ndabamenye assured the parliament that the issue of the faulty machine is currently in court and that the government will provide an update on the matter once it is resolved. He emphasized that the government is committed to supporting farmers and ensuring that they have access to proper storage and market facilities.
The government's efforts to address post-harvest losses are part of a broader strategy to improve the agricultural sector in Rwanda. The construction of storage facilities and drying machines is expected to help reduce losses and increase the shelf life of produce. The government is also seeking to attract private sector investment to support the development of the agricultural sector.
The parliamentary inquiry into the fate of onion farmers is a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by farmers in Rwanda. The government's response to the concerns raised by lawmakers will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of its measures to mitigate post-harvest losses and support farmers.
Key points
- The Rwandan government has plans to construct infrastructure to facilitate the drying and storage of produce, including onions, to address post-harvest losses.
- A center in Gikondo is near completion and will be equipped with drying machines to support onion farmers.
- The government is seeking to attract private sector investment to support the development of the agricultural sector.
