The 9th agricultural exhibition opened yesterday at Mulindi expo Ground in Gasabo District, Kigali City.

The expo, expected to run from June 5 to12, is organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources under the theme:"Transforming Agriculture for shared prosperity and improved livelihoods.”

Yesterday, some exhibitors were still setting up their tents, some already up while others were busy designing their items and stands.

Those who talked to The New Times said  they expected to make sales and network.

The exhibition will attract individual farmers, farmer organisations, financial service providers, insurances, agricultural products and equipment manufacturers, international exhibitors and other interested local agencies.

The 2014 agriculture show  is expected to bring together 103 exhibitors from 11 countries namely; Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, India, France, USA, Swaziland and Rwanda, according to the ministry.

"The week will be an occasion for both exhibitors and visitors to share information, experience as well as investment opportunities. Farmers and the private sector will also use this forum to find new products, services as well as partnerships,” the ministry said in a statement.

During the agri-show seminars, workshops and adverts are organised on different topics related to agriculture development.

 The expo will also serve as a marketing channel to all the participating institutions.

During the expo, the ministry will launch a campaign dubbed "Shisha Wumva,” an initiative meant to promote milk consumption from the current average of 40 litres consumed by an individual Rwandan per year to 80 litres.

Young people who have succeeded in integrating ICT in agriculture will also be awarded.