PSF moves to promote farmers

The Private Sector Federation (PSF) has launched a five year strategic plan through the Rwanda Farmers` Chamber that will guide it in promoting its members engaged in the agricultural sector. The launch attracted representatives from various farmers` federations and cooperatives, including those dealing in coffee, maize, honey, rice and poultry among others.The chamber will provide farmers with technical support development and export opportunities. PSF Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hannington Namara, said the plan is a step towards improving the quality and productivity of farmer`s produce that will also increase their profit margin.“Improving the quality of our produce will give us a safe passage to secure good markets within the region,” said Namara. Rwanda Farmers` Chamber is one of the 10 chambers in PSF and is charged with promoting and advocating for those involved in the sector to develop commercial and professional farming. Jean Munyimana, the Chairman of Agriculture and Livestock at the Chamber, called on farmers to register with the federation, saying it is the only way they can collectively benefit from the initiative. “It is in the interest of both the federation and farmers that a systematic approach is developed to bring farmers under one umbrella in addressing their challenges,” Munyimana said.He explained that the steps taken will also address issues concerning professionalism, both for small and large scale famers in line with improving their harvests. The head of FECOPPORWA—a potato farmer`s federation in Nyabihu district, Camile Nsengiyunva, noted that although there was a ready market for their produce, more should be done, especially in simplifying farmers access to fertilizers.He called on the PSF and other concerned parties to come up with a clear channel through which farmers based in rural areas can get fertilizers.“As a famer, the fertility of my land is very important as it determines my harvest,” said Nsengiyunva.