Farmers train in agro-processing

EASTERN PROVINCE NYAGATARE — Kigali Institute of Science and Technology [KIST] this week organised a training for about 40 farmers of Nyagatare on how to make juice from raw products. During the training, farmers were given both practical and theoretical skills. They used videos, pictures and Powerpoint presentations from other tropical countries as teaching aids. The training is meant to equip farmers with skills of adding value to their produce. “Farmers were allowed to interact freely with trainers and ask questions on the tools used. The training is field-based and the trainees were given certificates at the end of the training,” said James Munanura, the Nyagatare KIST/CITT branch manager. He added that KIST believes that such skills will help farmers in adding value to their agricultural products. He revealed that Kist is committed in providing continued expert support ,especially in training and marketing of the farmers’ agro-processed products if they respond positively. Munanura noted that Kist has the mandate to develop new technologieswhich are relevant to the evolving needs of the community. Farmers were urged to wear hygienic and protective gear because it is an international standard requirement in food processing. While awarding certificates to participants, Charles Gasana, the coordinator of Umutara Community Resource and Infrastructure Development Project (UCRIDP), promised to help the trainees maintain and make profit out of their raw agricultural products. Over the past years, KIST/CITT has been successful in developing and disseminating appropriate technologies especially for rural, semi-urban communities and small and medium enterprises. Ends