Pineapple growers decry lack of market

NGOMA- Pineapple growers in Ngoma District have failed to get market for their bumper harvest, after the main buyer, Inyange industries, reported a breakdown of machinery. According to farmers, most of the pineapples were left to rot in gardens, as no buyer is ready to take over from Inyange. Yvette Furaha, the Chairperson of one cooperative in Ngoma District, said that the prices of pineapples sharply declined, to the disadvantage of the farmers. She told The Sunday Times that leaders of the cooperative went to Kigali expecting potential markets but all was in vain. “It is a desperate situation...a pineapple that was bought by Inyange at Rwf 360, is now sold at a giveaway price of Rwf 100. Farmers are struggling to get alternative markets without success,” she lamented. Gilbert Rutayisire, the district agriculture officer, said that the failure of the pineapple market was a big blow to farmers in the district. He added that unscrupulous businesspersons have taken advantage of the situation to buy cheaply from farmers. “Farmers in Ngoma District supplied at least 25 tons of pineapples daily to Inyange Industries...there are no other markets ready to absorb such big production. Kigali public markets just can’t do it,” he said. George Mupenzi, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic affairs, confirmed the farmers’ losses, but said the district was in discussion with Inyange to get a solution. “We are working around the clock to arrest the situation...pineapple growers, particularly those in Jarama Sector, are in big trouble. Yes, our officials are discussing with the industry, to work out modalities to stop the losses.” Ngoma District is famous for growing pineapples in the Eastern Province. Ends