Farmers in Rwanda can expect quality and affordable animal feed thanks to a new partnership between the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) and private companies.

The initiative aims to acquire upgraded technology to increase animal feed production in both quality and quantity.

Five animal feed producers were selected to receive new technology, primarily machinery, to improve their output.

One such company, Gorilla Feed Co. Ltd, has benefited greatly from the partnership. They have relocated to the Kigali Special Economic Zone and constructed a mega-factory capable of producing feed for various livestock, including chickens, pigs, and cows, at different stages of growth.

The automated machinery boasts three production lines with impressive capacities: 20 tonnes of mash, 15 tonnes of pellets, and 13 tonnes of crumble per hour, respectively. It was officially launched on July 11, 2024.

A boon for businesses

Companies benefited from NIRDA’s support through the Open Calls Program, designed to enhance business productivity and competitiveness. Selected companies received a 50% grant and a 50% loan facility with a zero interest rate.

During the launch of Gorilla Feed Co. Ltd, Dr Christian Sekomo Birame, Director of NIRDA, praised the partnership. He highlighted Gorilla Feed Co. Ltd’s willingness to expand and invest its own resources alongside the funds provided by NIRDA.

"We are thrilled to have supported four industries through NIRDA’s Open Calls Program,” Dr Birame said. "Farmers will now have access to high-quality animal feed, leading to improved animal health and increased productivity in terms of meat, eggs, and other products,” he said.

"Our goal is to see a rise in locally-made products to satisfy both domestic and regional markets,” he added.

He expressed his gratitude to the Belgium Development Agency (Enabel) for partnering with NIRDA to support industries not only in animal feed production but also in other value chains. Dr Birame reiterated NIRDA’s commitment to investing in local industries, particularly in technology acquisition, to ensure their competitiveness, productivity, and job creation.

The supported four companies with fully automated systems meant that they have a combined capacity to produce 468 tonnes per day, according to the official.

A model of success

Janvier Kivuye, General Manager of Gorilla Feed, detailed the factory’s extensive use of automation in its operations, encompassing raw material reception, storage silos, and processing machinery.

The silos boast a storage capacity of 3,000 tonnes of maize or other cereal grains. The factory meticulously measures ingredients to ensure the feed meets all necessary standards, including protein and calorie content.

"Maize is a critical ingredient in our feed formulation,” Kivuye explained. "We prioritise storing large quantities to avoid shortages.”

The factory also features a warehouse for storing various raw materials, including wheat, sunflower, soya, and premix, alongside maize. With the support received, the factory will soon possess a machine capable of producing a remarkable 20 tonnes of feed per hour, a fourfold increase compared to their previous output of 5 tonnes.

Kivuye emphasised plans to create new jobs in feed marketing and distribution. He also highlighted the machines’ energy-saving features, eco-friendliness through the absence of polluting emissions, and the presence of dust collectors.

Apart from its own investment, Gorilla Feed Co. Ltd received $600,000 equivalent to over 600 million Rwandan francs, half of which was a grant and another one a loan facility with zero-interest rate.

Kivuye expressed deep appreciation for the partnership, stating that without the support, the project would not have been possible due to its high cost.

The grant and zero-interest loan are instrumental in helping us achieve our dream. Gorilla Feed has been operational for nine years, but our growth was previously limited. This partnership has been a game-changer,” he noted.

Jean-Paul Hagenimana, the Managing Director of Regional Food Processing Ltd, shared his company’s experience of acquiring new machinery through the programme, enabling them to operate smoothly and increase profitability.

Today, the Huye District-based company boasts a fully automated line with the capacity to produce over three tonnes of feed per hour.

"Regional began as a small company using local machines and renting a workspace,” he recounted. "We participated in the competition organised by NIRDA and Enabel and we were fortunate to win. We received a 50% loan and a 50% grant to purchase the machines. They even assisted us in preparing our facilities before the machines arrived.”

Hagenimana expressed his gratitude to the government, through NIRDA, for its ongoing support for its citizens, highlighting the stark difference from other previous governments.

He emphasised the transformative impact this programme will have on their industry, aligning perfectly with the government’s vision of improving the well-being of its citizens and the nation.

"Traditional bank loans would have been impossible for us due to the high interest rates,” he said.

Other companies that benefited from animal feed production support include the Muhango-based Bafina Agrovet Ltd which acquired new equipment as well as Zamura Feed which is based in Musanze District.

Zamura feed acquired a Near Infrared Spectroscopy machine that tests the nutrient content of feed such as protein, fats, fibres, starch, ash, moisture content, and other machines testing aflatoxin in raw materials.

Farmers upbeat

Anne Karemera, a poultry farmer from Gasabo District with over 11,000 layers, said that the availability of animal feed production plants means affordability of quality feed.

"Using animal feeds produced from upgraded industries boosts productivity for both eggs and meat and we are happy that we are seeing more upgraded animal feed firms, it means that farmers will get quality and affordable feeds,” she said.