The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Telesphore Ndabamenye, has said the government will address rising animal feed prices by expanding distribution outlets, increasing storage capacity, boosting maize and soybean production and strengthening feed quality regulation. He made the remarks on Wednesday, April 1, as he represented the Prime Minister before the Senate, responding to a summons issued on March 2 during a plenary session that reviewed a report on livestock development based on senators’ field visits, which highlighted challenges, including high feed prices. ALSO READ: Feed shortages, imports drive up costs for livestock farmers Ndabamenye said feed remains expensive mainly due to the limited local supply of cereals and the absence of manufacturer outlets across all districts. “Livestock feed is costly because local production of cereals is limited and feed producers are not yet able to establish outlets across all districts,” he said. “Manufacturers are being encouraged to open outlets in all districts where livestock farmers need feed,” he added. ALSO READ: Senate summons PM over issues in livestock sector He noted producers are being encouraged to organise under a common platform to improve coordination, invest in storage, and support bulk procurement of raw materials such as maize and soybeans. Ndabamenye highlighted ongoing efforts to expand forage production, noting that over 47,000 hectares are currently under fodder cultivation. On long-term measures, he said the government is working with farmers to increase production of maize and soybeans through improved seeds and proper use of fertilisers. ALSO READ: New tech set to turn cassava peels into affordable livestock feed “We are supporting farmers to increase productivity of maize and soybeans using better seeds and fertilisers,” he said. He added that Food Basket Sites will contribute to increasing production of these crops, supporting both food security and feed supply. “These sites will help increase production of maize and soybeans, which will contribute to food security and feed availability,” he said. The government also plans to increase storage capacity by at least 100,000 metric tonnes over the next three years through silos and warehouses, which he said will help stabilise supply and enable manufacturers to source raw materials locally or import when prices are favourable. The Senate report also pointed out that the quality control is not yet done on a regular basis, coupled with the presence of unlicensed producers in the market. Ndabamenye explained that Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) now oversees feed quality regulation and is working with licensed manufacturers, local authorities and veterinary structures to improve compliance and identify illegal producers. “Awareness campaigns are being strengthened to educate producers and farmers on standards, while inspection systems are being reinforced through improved procedures, additional staff, better laboratory capacity, and inspectors mandated by RICA,” he said. Ndabamenye also highlighted the “Zamukana Ubuziranenge” programme, aimed at supporting informal producers to upgrade their operations and meet required standards. “The programme will help producers gain the skills and resources needed to comply with regulations,” he said.
