The Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Eric Rwigamba, has urged Rwandan farmers to cope with current challenges such as climate change and build resilience needed for sustainable food systems.

He made the call on Thursday August 1^st, 2024 while officially opening the 17th Rwanda National Agriculture Show that is taking place from July 31^st to August 9^th, 2024 at Mulindi showground in Gasabo District of the City of Kigali.

“As the world faces climate change challenges, crop and livestock products are more needed than ever before. I want to thank our farmers who are innovating and working hard to produce enough food for all of us,” he said.

Rwigamba emphasized the need for all stakeholders in the agriculture sector to identify workable solutions and scale them up to ensure food security.

“The time we are in requires scaling up. Training a farmer without other components will not work. We need to work together to scale up all tested solutions. No farmer should be poor because agriculture provides opportunities,” he said.

The agriculture show,  which was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) under the theme of ‘Building Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems’, has attracted more than 470 exhibitors.

The weeklong event focuses on showcasing various agricultural and climate-resilient technologies designed to strengthen Rwanda's food systems.

Rwigamba said that the Government of Rwanda is committed to continuing its investments in the agriculture sector and urged those who will visit the 17th Rwanda National Agriculture Show to take new ideas back home.

“Let us all take advantage of this agriculture show and learn from each other. It is possible to get business ideas from this agriculture show,” he said.

The 17th Rwanda Agriculture Show features a wide range of innovations in the agriculture sector, including solar energy-powered irrigation systems, hydroponics, mechanization, information and communications technologies (ICTs) in agriculture, agro-processing, and modern livestock management, among others.

The exhibition has attracted various stakeholders in the agriculture sector, ranging from individual farmers, farmer organisations, international organisations that support farmers, financial service providers, insurance companies, agricultural products and equipment companies, international exhibitors, and different local agencies involved in farming activities.

Different agricultural products are on display at the show, bearing testimony to the significant efforts made over the years to transform the sector.

For instance, one cassava tree on display has a yield weighing 50 kilograms,  thanks to improved farming practices.

Farmers and other private sector participants are using the agriculture show to learn from each other, discover new products and services, and forge partnerships to create resilience needed to build  sustainable food systems in Rwanda and the region.

The Rwanda National Agriculture Show is an annual event organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) to exhibit innovations and best practices in the agriculture sector in Rwanda. It is an ideal platform that brings exhibitors and visitors together for the exchange of information, experiences, and investment opportunities.

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