Rwanda: Rwandan potato plant benefits farmers
On Wednesday 9 March, a potato processing plant was opened in Rwanda, which will produce chips, french fries, whole peeled potato, and whole cleaned potatoes for schools and supermarkets.
The news is pleasing to farmers in Nyabihu and neighbouring districts in Rwanda, who believe it will add value to their produce and attract better prices.
The plant, according to the Minister for Trade and Industry Francois Kanimba, is part of ongoing government efforts to construct community processing centres in various parts of the country to help farmers add value to their products.
Built at a tune of Rwf780 million, the medium potato processing factory also has training/incubation facilities.
Emeritte Mukashema, one of the farmers, said it was good news as they will be able to sell their produce to the plant at a good price instead of selling to middlemen at giveaway prices.
Isaac Nzabarinda, the president of Irish Potato farmers in Northern Province, said the plant will not only help stabilise prices but also encourage modern farming.
“The plant buys produce according to set standards and farmers will have to work hard to improve the quality of their produce. We are required to do our best to get quality production.”
The potato plant has capacity to process 500 kilogrammes per hour. It is the second of its kind after another one opened in Musanze last year. Farmers were encouraged to look for high yield seeds to plant.
(1 Rwandan Franc=0.0013 US Dollar)
Source: New Times/ potatopro.com
Fuente: http://www.freshplaza.com/article/155004/Rwandan-potato-plant-benefits-farmers
