Farmers in the Eastern Province have embarked on growing soya beans in response to growing demand for the crop. This was disclosed yesterday during the official launch of planting Season A in all districts in the province. Demand for soya beans soared following the commissioning of a soya processing plant, Mount Meru Soyco, last year. The company produces oil from soya and sunflower. Ever since the plant started production most of the raw materials have been imported from neighbouring countries, a trend farmers want reversed. Jean Nipomscene Ndikubwimana, a resident of Kayonza District, told The New Times that most farmers are motivated by the ready market for the produce. “It makes much sense when you grow a crop assured of market and good price. We are told a kilogramme of soya will be bought at Rwf500,” he said. “Much of the soya processed by the plant is imported from Tanzania. It is a trend that must change. We have embarked on a campaign to grow soya on a large scale,” he said. Innocent Ukizuru, an agriculture officer in Rwamagana Sector, said it made more financial sense for farmers to plant soybeans instead of beans and maize. The Governor of Eastern Province, Odette Uwamariya, reiterated that there was a major demand for locally grown soya beans, noting that there was need to satisfy that demand. “Soya farms have been increasing in size annually. We hope to continue with that expansion in the coming years. Our farmers must utilise their proximity to the firm to make profits,” she said. Soyco is planning to contract about 100,000 local farmers to grow soya beans and provide inputs to support those farmers.
