GATSIBO–In order to boost beef production in the Eastern Province, the government has commissioned a modern abattoir in Gatsibo District. Farmers in Gatsibo and neighbouring districts expect to benefit from a newly constructed abattoir complete with cold storage facility. The abattoir is part of the Rwf350 million public market that was launched a few days ago.Residents said that the new facility will contribute to maintaining the highest standards of quality in the production, and distribution of fine meats.Farmers further noted that in most districts of the province, they struggled to get good prices for their animals, adding that the construction of a modern abattoir was timely.Samson Rutinduka, one of the local farmers, told The New Times that both farmers and consumers would benefit from high quality beef on a daily basis.He noted that losses made when transporting cows on lorries to sell in Kigali and elsewhere, would soon come to an end.“It is expensive to transport cattle to Kigali; we make losses when bargaining for payments because we can’t manage to transport them back in case we disagree on the price. With this new abattoir, we shall be selling meat near our farms,” he said.“Farmers in the district now have an answer… a community run abattoir. The abattoir will be very successful and give bargaining power we need”.According to the district Mayor, Ambrose Ruboneza, the abattoir was a confirmation of government’s commitment to support local farmers, and giving them an opportunity to play a role in the output of products that can compete on the global market.“We shall no longer compromise on quality in the processing of our meat. We are even prepared to compete in the global arena,” he said.Eastern Province has the highest number of cattle in the country.
