The National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) has distributed two pig-slaughtering machines to two firms, marking a significant step toward improving the quality and competitiveness of the pork industry in the country. Rwanda targets increasing pork production from 22,839 tonnes in 2023 up to 31,144 tonnes (about 36 per cent), in 2029. ALSO READ: High income, appetite for pork, drive up pig industry NIRDA provided the machines through its competitive Open Calls programme, offering selected firms upgraded equipment with a 50% grant and a 50% repayable facility at zero interest and no collateral. This initiative is supported by the Belgian Development Agency, Enabel. The two firms were chosen from the pig value chain, one of three key value chains in the agriculture sector. One of the firms is KIME Ltd in Rusizi District. It acquired a modern pig-slaughtering facility with the capacity to process 200 pigs per day. ALSO READ: Rwandan farmers bank on high-yield pig breeds from Europe KIME Ltd is now the largest pig-slaughtering operator in the country, and its strategic location also positions it to serve businesses in neighboring DR Congo. Ntarama Pig Farming on Large Scale Ltd, located in Bugesera District, which can process 50 pigs per day also received new equipment. Jean Baptiste Mugambira, the Managing Director of KIME Ltd, praised NIRDA for its support, noting that the upgraded slaughtering chain would help transform the pork business by producing high-quality pork products that meet the highest standards of hygiene. “The upgraded pig-slaughtering machines we acquired with NIRDA’s support are truly helpful, enabling our company to provide quality and standardized pork products across the country,” he said. ALSO READ: A look at meat; Rwanda’s emerging export “This facility will benefit our company, but it will also have a positive impact on farmers and the broader business community. We are ready to fully operationalize this facility. We are deeply grateful to NIRDA and Enabel for their partnership and support in helping us acquire these machines through the 50% grant and 50% loan arrangement. This support is invaluable,” he added. Peace Niyoyita, the Managing Director of Ntarama Pig Farming on Large Scale Ltd, expressed her excitement after receiving the modern slaughtering machine, adding that the government’s support , with a 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan , was timely. “This advanced machine addresses a critical challenge faced by pig farmers, as access to reliable slaughtering services has often been limited. It paves the way for increased productivity and competitiveness, making pig farming more sustainable and profitable,” she said. Dr. Christian Sekomo Birame, NIRDA's Director General, explained that supporting firms in the pig value chain is part of a broader effort to modernize the industry and enhance competitiveness and productivity. “We are committed to helping firms acquire modern pig-slaughtering machines to address issues related to pork industry standards. With the introduction of these advanced machines, consumers will have access to high-quality, standardized pork products,” he said. “The firms benefiting from this support should strive to meet the high service standards expected from them and also provide slaughtering services to others, helping to promote quality pork products both domestically and beyond,” he added. In addition to its support for the pig value chain, NIRDA also extended its assistance to firms in other agricultural sectors, including the poultry and animal feed value chains where selected firms received similar support to acquire upgraded equipment.
