The Indian Ambassador to Rwanda, Oscar Kerketta, Wednesday visited families that benefited from the cattle donated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a visit to Rwanda in July. The 200 cows were donated to about 150 households currently sheltered in Rweru Model Village built by the government in Bugesera district, Eastern Province. The cows were donated as part of the Girinka (one-Cow-per-Poor-Family) programme. During premier Modi’s visit, he pledged USD 190 000 to support vulnerable families living in Rweru IDP Model Village in Bugesera District after they were relocated from Mazane and Sharita Islands earlier this year. Kerketta hailed the communities’ good care of the livestock and the impact they are having on their lives. “I understand that people are loving living in the new model village and the cows are going to help them change their living standards. The cows are of high value in India and so are they in Rwanda. They are part of the development of the community. We are excited that they are impacting the lives of the communities,” said Kerketta. The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Geraldine Mukeshimana, urged the families to continue treating the cows well. “The cows are doing well and obviously the families are taking good care of them and we are happy to hear that they have started getting income from their milk,” Mukeshimana said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
