A new initiative that aims at fighting against illegal rice processing in the country has been set up, with farmers and millers saying it will help streamline the cereals value chain. The monitoring committee that was established by rice farmers and millers last week seeks to ensure processors adheres to standards along value chain.

The development comes after rice-growing co-operatives, millers and other stakeholders agreed to join hands to fight illegal processors. The committee is supported by the agriculture and trade and industry ministries.

There have been many complaints about some people engaging in rice processing without licences, a practice genuine firms say is depriving them of market.

The illegal dealers were also blamed for proliferation of poor quality rice on the market. However, some farmers say licensed processors pay less for the produce compared to unregistered dealers.

"We expect that the partnership between rice farmers and processors will help raise farmers’ morale, as well as boost production and quality of the produce,” Emmanuel Hategeka, the Ministry of Trade and Industry permanent secretary, said.

He explained that the initiative will be useful in fixing farm gate prices agreeable to both parties.

Hategeka was speaking during a consultative meeting for rice farmers, millers and traders last week that was organised by the agriculture and trade and industry ministries.

"Rice has become a major commodity among both rural and urban households; therefore, there is a need to streamline its production and processing to ensure quality and sustainable supply around the country.”

He said local production of rice has increased substantially in recent years, owing to huge investments in the expansion and rehabilitation of marshland areas under rice cultivation.

Innocent Musabyimana, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources permanent secretary, said rice production has increased by 23 per cent over the last five years.

Musabyimana also said they are working on a plan to avail farmers more land of up 8,000 hectares for production rice by next year.

Ignace Gahutu, a farmer in Jabana sector, Gasabo District, said the intervention is important and timely, noting that it will help reduce the recent surge in national demand for consumption of rice in the country.

He said the country has been importing rice from other countries to meet the increasing demand, adding that "streamlining the production and supply value chains will help increase local production.”

In 2014, the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) unveiled an initiative that sought to increase rice production, ensure quality along the value chain, and ease access to agro-inputs.

The Rice Sector Development Hub was expected to bring together stakeholders - including farmers, dealers, private sector and researchers - to share information and look for ways to improve production, quality and help farmers get quality seeds and market.