This year’s agricultural show will highlight the importance of technology and innovation in boosting the agricultural sector performance. The weeklong agricultural exhibition which will take place from June 5, to 12 will offer the Ministry of Agriculture an opportunity to highlight the ICT-related achievements that have so far been attained. The agricultural show will be held under the theme: “Transforming Agriculture for shared prosperity and improved livelihoods”. It is expected to feature more than 200 exhibitors and attract over 3,000 visitors from all over the world The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Tonny Nsanganira, said through the various ICT solutions and innovations, farmers have been able to access markets and better extension services which has improved livelihoods. “Farmers have in recent years benefitted from various ICT interventions. They are now able to access information on markets and extension services which has helped boost their revenues,” Nsanganira said. He said during the exhibition, young people who have contributed to the integration of ICT into agriculture will be awarded. The agricultural show will also enable participants share experiences on investment promotion, innovations as well as improved practices. The ministry will also launch a campaign seeking to increase milk consumption in the country. It is estimated that the average Rwandan consumes 40 litres of milk annually. The campaign hopes to double the consumption to 80 litres to increase the market opportunities for dairy farmers. This will be the 9th edition of the show since it’s inception in 2003. Eusebe Muhikira, the acting head of Agri-business at Rwanda Development Board said the exhibition will provide an opportunity for farmers to know about existing technologies and create links with other players in the sector. The ministry will also host the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme conference, an AU led initiative in collaboration with New Partnership for Africa’s Development that works to ensure livelihoods through promotion of agriculture. The conference will take place on June 9-10, 2014.
