Editor,

I read with much enthusiasm the story that appeared in yesterday’s issue of The New Times entitled "Horticulture can ease dependence on coffee, tea-World Bank Report”.
Agriculture is the economic mainstay for countries like Rwanda.

A country with a diversified economy is generally able to create more jobs and realise futher economic growth than those that solely rely on agriculture.

The country has for long relied on the two traditional exports-coffee and tea. Thus, the World Bank Report would not have come at a better time.

The horticultural industry offers considerable potential, which may contribute significantly to poverty reduction and economic development if adequately exploited.

On the other hand, Rwanda has a strong competitive base that anchored on its comparative advantages such as favourable climate, fertile soils, abundant water resources, and increasingly skilled labour force to produce quality and competitive horticultural products for regional and international markets.

Festo Ngamije
Kigali