The new Israeli Ambassador to Rwanda, H.E Ron Adam, has said that his country is committed to support efforts meant to develop ‘smart agriculture’ in Rwanda through the existing cooperation between the two countries.
“We want to promote smart agriculture here. We are ready to share everything we have,” the Ambassador said, noting that they have expertise in growing some crops in a smart way, and water management, among others.
Ambassador Adam made the statement on March 28, 2019 while paying a courtesy call on the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr Gerardine Mukeshimana.
The senior officials also exchanged views on impact of ongoing initiatives, meant to support the agriculture sector development in Rwanda, implemented through the cooperation between the two countries.
Over the last few years,the cooperation between the two countries has been strengthened by important agricultural projects. Since 2012, Rwandan fresh graduates have been going to Israel to pursue agricultural courses through a professional internship program. 625 Rwandans have so far completed the 11-month internship program at Kinneret College and Agrostudies Center – Israel.
Most of the trained students are engaged in building the farmers’ capacity.
In addition, a Center of Excellence for Horticultural Development in Rwanda established in Kigali, Mulindi site, is now playing an important role in streamlining Rwanda’s horticulture industry by showcasing modern technologies and providing training of trainers on best farming practices.
The Center is also meant to serve as a training site for local agriculture extension officers, University students, farmers and business people in modern horticulture production. The center will also serve as a regional center of excellence in high technology production. It will serve as a regional training center for small holder farmers focusing on major agricultural production challenges as well as on entrepreneurship capacity and better farm management skills.
Minister Mukeshimana commended the good cooperation, noting that Rwanda needs to borrow a lot from Israel expertise to fast-track the country’s agriculture modernization