Cattle prices in Eastern Province appreciate

Cattle prices in Eastern Province have risen, according to a mini-survey carried out by The New Times. The price of a bull has now increased from Frw300, 000 to Frw400, 000. The increase has been attributed to shortage of cattle for slaughter.This has forced butchers who depend on cattle from the region to increase beef prices to Frw100 per kilogramme. Butchers in Nyagatare and Kigali have hiked beef prices from Frw1,200 to Frw1,300 per kilogramme. Results from The New Times’ mini-survey show that most supermarkets in Kigali now sell a kilogramme at Frw1,600. Officials say the cattle farmers rushed to sell off their herds when they learnt of government’s redistribution of land, early this year. Currently this area harbors more hybrid and cross breed cattle. Dr. Justin Zimulinda, the Provincial Veterinary officer said that farmers are now raring more cross and hybrids. However, in Nyamata markets and butcheries, beef prices have dropped by a 33.3 per cent mark. Ends