The Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI) together with Kigali City Council is set to construct a wholesale market for fresh produce in Kicukiro district.

The idea that was mooted early this year, will see the market constructed in Masaka sector Kicukiro district. The market is expected to help the fresh fruits and vegetable farmers get good profits for their products and be equipped with stronger bargaining power.

The construction work is scheduled to begin in January next year.

According to Bruno Rangira, the communications officer at KCC, the reason why Masaka was chosen is because of its proximity to Kigali International Airport which will facilitate easy transportation of the products to the international market.

Horticulture has been named one of the top government priorities as it was seen as one of the top foreign exchange earners.

Though the industry offers considerable opportunities in terms of export receipts projected to reach over $12m in 2010, it remains under-developed, with current exports worth around $1.5m. 

In order to unblock this potential, significant intervention and coordination on the part of both the private sector and the public sector is required.

According to Rwanda Horticulture Development Authority (RHODA), farmers have been losing between 30-40 percent of their valuable products before it reaches the final consumer.

According to City Mayor, Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kakira, the market will be critical in the development of the economy.

The market, due to its strategic location in Kigali City, will be critical in the development and strengthening of the economy since there is a good market base for the products which has been lacking orientation,”  Kakira said.

The state-of-the-art market which is estimated to cost over Rwf3 billion will include; Fruits and vegetable packaging units, temperature controlled storage units, normal storage facility, market information services and office space for private companies.

Horticulture products have a wide market internationally especially in the Middle East countries.

The new market is expected to create over 25,000 jobs.

Ends