A modern poultry farm with bio-security and poultry science worth $400,000 (approx Rwf230m) has been inaugurated in Musanze district, Northern Province.

The facility, which has been designed to accommodate 10,000 chicken layers, belongs to Ikiraro Investments Ltd, which is owned by Thomas M Philips, an American Entrepreneur.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Agnes Kalibata visited the new poultry infrastructure and a local poultry farmer who owns a chick incubator.

Kalibata hailed the poultry initiatives which she said will lead to other developments especially market for animal feeds, fertilizers, hatcheries and provide employment to the local population.

She noted that whereas poultry farming in the country had been hampered by the bird flu phenomenon, the ministry through RADA, will boost poultry farming initiatives which will in turn serve to provide proteins to the population.

RADA (Rwanda Agricultural Development Authority) was established to contribute towards the growth of agricultural production through the development of appropriate technologies, provide advisory, outreach and extension services to stakeholders in agriculture.

Speaking on behalf of Ikiraro Investments Ltd, David B Juenger, said that their ultimate vision is to provide protein for the community, bring employment to the region and create an environment where additional businesses can flourish.

Juenger said that the poultry operation will be established in other regions starting with Bugesera where the poultry infrastructure has been set up. He added that they will serve as modern demonstration farms to other farmers.

"For bio-security purposes, the gates will be closed by Sunday, and before anybody is allowed to enter into the poultry farm they will be required to first shower and change clothes’’ Juenger said.

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