On June 19, 2019, Dr Gerardine Mukeshimana Hon. Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) officially opened the 14th National Agriculture Show that is taking place from June 18th to 26th, 2019 at Mulindi showground located in Gasabo District, Kigali City.
The 14th National Agriculture Show attracted individual farmers' organizations, financial service providers, insurances, agricultural products and equipment companies, international exhibitors and other local and international agricultural agencies.
On display are a wide range of innovations and the best practices in the agriculture sector, including irrigation and mechanization, information and communication technologies in agriculture, agro-processing products and livestock, among others.
This year’s agriculture show is held under theme: “Promoting Competitiveness of Rwandan Agriculture.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the agrishow, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr Gerardine Mukeshimana, called upon Rwandan farmers to take sustainable measures to increase competitiveness in global markets while ensuring better quality produce.
“To keep up the momentum, we should put much efforts in modernizing our farming activities to ensure food security and surplus for the market,” said Minister Mukeshimana.
She called on farmers taking the huge advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and be able to sell their agricultural produce across the continent.
In order to exploit the African markets, farmers need to effectively manage their produce such as timely harvesting, post-harvest management and quality control and to use secure storage facilities such as cold storage for perishables to reduce losses, said Mukeshimana.
Rwanda Agriculture Show is a yearly event to exhibit innovations and best practices in the agriculture sector. The Agricultural show offers opportunities for learning new skills and linking different stakeholders in agriculture such as farmers, cooperatives, banks, insurance companies.