EDITORIAL: Embrace modern farming to remain competitive

Rwanda has abundance of agricultural products; from fruits and vegetables, meat produce and the requisite weather to match. But it is yet to reap from the agricultural windfall as most people produce for local consumption and only save the surplus for the market. The main reason for absence of commercial farming could be laid on the doorstep of small, fragmented fields, and a difficult topography that does not favour mechanisation. But slowly and surely, those obstacles are being overcome with the advent of modern farming techniques and technological advances. Today, even smallholder farmers are learning that it is not the surface area that matters, but how it is maximized. Today, most hotels and supermarkets opt to import their fresh produce from neighbouring countries and even as far as South Africa. These countries have a long farming history and understand the intricacies involved. Some of them are post-harvest handling skills that keep their produce fresh and appealing to the eye, and appropriate packaging. That is what agricultural stakeholders have been working on for some time. The ongoing agricultural expo is there to serve that purpose; Rwandan agriculture has evolved and is now courting the international markets. The more reason why local supermarkets and hotels should also come on board to support the sector. We are yet to march South Africa or Kenya when it comes to modern farming and agricultural research, but that should not hold us back. We do not have to reinvent the wheel but can learn from the more established parties. They too started from somewhere and evolved along the way. Why should our farmers not take that as a challenge?

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EDITORIAL: Embrace modern farming to remain competitive