Editor, Reference is made to story, “New coffee policy in the offing, says agric minister” (The New Times, February 10). It’s clear that Rwanda needs to urgently revisit its strategies on low value commercial crop farming. Today, we have the highest population density in Africa (240/sqm). This calls for thorough long-term agricultural strategies. Agricultural production policies should now prioritise high value commercial crops like moringa, mushroom, ginseng and ornamental trees, because our population is increasing while our land area remains a constant. This should, however, not be misinterpreted as though I am saying that other crops should be phased out, but the long-term plan should emphasise high value crops. I have worked in the coffee sector before and the farm size per homestead in Rwanda is really miserable. Considering that agricultural profitability is virtually dependent on economies of scale, coffee farming in Rwanda is an imminent white rhino. While I was reading the report, I didn’t find any new policy or strategy regarding best practices in coffee farming. For instance, who doesn’t know that we need to penetrate international markets? Who doesn’t know that we need farmer field schools? Nothing new; really! James Munanura
