Kirehe agricultural trade fair kicks off

Kirehe- Eastern Province Governor, Odette Uwamariya, yesterday, officially opened this year’s Kirehe District agricultural exhibition at Nyakarambi grounds.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Kirehe- Eastern Province Governor, Odette Uwamariya, yesterday, officially opened this year’s Kirehe District agricultural exhibition at Nyakarambi grounds.It was organized jointly by the Kirehe District in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and over 80 exhibitors from across the country are expected to participate.Speaking at the launch, Uwamariya urged the organisers to provide a platform for enterprises to address trade related issues.She further drew attention to the province’s economic potential, especially in agriculture but advised farmers and traders to improve on service delivery."The size of the produce, bananas, pineapples, maize, cows, etc, in this district cannot be equated with anywhere else in the country. The trade show is important because it enables farmers to learn from each other.” "In trade fairs, people take the opportunity to exchange ideas and re-think their farming methods. We shall continue organising such trade shows in different districts.”The district mayor, Protias Murayire, stated that the trade fair aims to be an educational tool through holding of lectures, demonstrations and workshops.Dr. Christine Kanyandekwe of Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) observed that the trade show would among other things enlighten farmers on the importance of fertilisers.She lauded the show’s organisers for correlating food production and nutrition."One of the challenges we have is poor use of fertilisers due to farmers’ ignorance…so, lessons on nutrition in the show are vital. The stands show how feeding on nutritious foods check malnutrition…the lessons are great.” Kirehe District is considered as the country’s food basket.