The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, this week urged Rwandan dairy farmers to explore the opportunities that the sector offers, as a way of not only improving their lives, but also contributing to the country’s development.

Her appeal came during the 6th African Dairy Conference and Exhibition by regional associations of dairy stakeholders that is taking place, this week, in Kigali.

Dairy farming is a way of life for many local communities across the country. Transforming it will definitely contribute to the national economy as well as poverty reduction in the long run.

The Government has already put in place strategies and appropriate infrastructure to transform traditional farming into mechanized farming. There is, therefore, no sound reason why farmers should not participate in transforming the country’s economy, through modernizing the farming method.

Programs like One-Cow-per-Family, have already registered success with regard to improving the standard of living of the average citizen.

Farmers should, therefore, take advantage of the various Government policies to to improve on their production. 
During exhibitions, there are all kinds of diary technologies and modern farming methods on display. This should be an opportunity for regional farmers to exchange ideas and implement the best practices adopted.

Banks too, should consider supporting local farmers through special programs. Farming equipment is expensive, but at the end of the day their use will increase the incomes of the farmers. They should no longer be considered ‘high risk’ borrowers if the transformation is to be successful.

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