The Rwanda Flower Farmers’ Association will receive $15m (Frw8.1b) from the government.

The funds will be used to improve production and develop the flower industry.
"In the next budget, the government and other institutions will finance the acquisition of flower harvest machines,” Vincent Karega, minister in charge of industry and investment promotion, said in an interview at Novotel Hotel late last week.

Karega further said that the government will fund the construction of greenhouses. As Rwanda’s climate becomes less predictable, greenhouses, whose temperatures are controlled, will be of enormous benefit.

According to the Flower Farmers’ Association president, Gabriel Ngendabanga, "the aid is a huge push to the association.” Ngendabanga said that the association will soon be able to export roses.

The association, established in 2005 to promote flower cultivation, is made up of 3,600 farmers. The association has grown from just two hectares of flower plantations in 2005 to 42 hectares today.

Karega said that the government is committed to developing the horticulture sector. "Flower farming can contribute to the economic ambitions of Rwanda as defined in Vision 2020.”
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