Gov’t earmarks 200ha for Flower Park

In a bid to boost the floriculture industry, the government of Rwanda has set aside 200 hectares in the Eastern Province to demonstrate the viability of the flower business in the country. The project is in advanced stages and 30 hectares have been identified as the pilot project to attract investors. The move is part of the government initiative to boost national horticulture exports. Ndambe Nzaramba, the Director General of Rwanda Horticulture Development Authority (RHODA) said the demonstration flower park will grow flowers for the local market. “The flower business is wanting and a lot has to be done in terms of technical and financial support to even supply the local market,” he said. The park will be equipped with infrastructure like water, electricity and few green houses to showcase its commercial potential. According to Nzaramba, the land has been surveyed and that they are currently conducting property evaluation and expropriation that is likely to cost Rw200 million. Last year, government did not register any flower revenues because of the decline in the international flower market that was affected by the global financial downturn. Flower prices on the international market declined by 15 percent and the local flower company suspended its exports to the European markets. The company plans to resume business soon. Nzaramba, said that in a recent meeting with different stakeholders in the horticulture industry they discussed how the business community can utilize the cold room. Rwanda Flora and East African Growers, the main local exporting company promised to resume horticulture exports that had been suspended due to global the financial crisis. Ends

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Gov’t earmarks 200ha for Flower Park