The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr Gerardine Mukeshimana, has urged Rwandan farmers to use all available technologies that have potential to enable them to cope with climate change and increase agricultural productivity.  The Minister said that the farmers should take advantage of the small scale irrigation scheme, currently subsidized by the government up to 50%, to improve their farming activities. “Every farmer should embrace irrigation; and I pledge that the government will keep doing everything possible to support all farmers in irrigation wherever feasible,” Minister Mukeshimana said. The Minister was speaking at the closure of the 12th edition of the Kigali National Agriculture Show that took place from June 22-27, 2017 in Mulindi, Kigali. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the weeklong event was themed: “Adopt climate resilient technologies to improve farmer livelihoods,” and focused on showcasing various agricultural technologies meant to fight effects of climate change. The minister requested participants and visitors to the agriculture show to put in practice what they’ve learned from the forum. Innovations showcased that have potential to enable farmers to cope with climate change include solar-powered irrigation system and technologies to store fodder for cattle, among others.  On the other hand, Minister Mukeshimana also urged Rwandans to give priority to livestock farming, saying the sector has enormous potential for exports and wealth creation as well as nutrition for families. Overall, the agriculture sector contributes around 33% of the country’s GDP with 10% from livestock, the Minister added.  “The ministry’s ambition is to keep improving animal husbandry so that the sub-sector contributes more to the country’s economy,” the Minister pointed out, urging farmers to raise productive livestock through quality breed, proper animal feeding, grass storage and use of other animal feed that has been exhibited at the agriculture show.  Exhibitors commended the Government of Rwanda for organizing the agriculture show that enabled participants and visitors to learn from each other. Event like this agriculture show is very important not only for exhibitors, but also for local farmers because it provides us with a forum to exchange information, experience and learn from each other," said Simon, a Kenyan investor who grows horticulture in Rulindo Disstrict.  The 12th agriculture show features a wide range of innovations in the agriculture sector such as solar energy-powered irrigation system, mechanization, Information and communications technologies (ICTs) in agriculture, agro- processing and modern livestock among others. “What we've seen in this agriculture show is an evidence of our country’s progress in increasing agricultural production and value addition,” pointed out Minister Mukeshimana.