A wholesale market to be constructed at Kigali Special Economic Zone in Gasabo District is expected to reduce post-harvest losses by improving logistics planning, quality control, and storage of fruits and vegetables. Current projection estimates on the market cost are around Rwf20 and Rwf25 billion (€19.7-24.7 mln).
The Kigali Wholesale Market will provide new additional services like cleaning, grading, possibly drying, and cold storage that increases product life and reduce the loss of unsold products.
In the current concept, it is estimated that the market will have a capacity of [handling] up to 180,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables per year, and accommodate up to 100 wholesalers, according to estimates from the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).
Officials said that if all goes well, ground-breaking for the market will begin early next year. The project is under the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).
The initial idea to set up the market was proposed in 2010. Officials from MINAGRI and NAEB argued that the slow progress in its establishment was due to the fact that the government wanted to ensure that thorough studies and analysis were conducted, and verified, prior to the project’s implementation.
Gérardine Mukeshimana, Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resources has stated that it is designed to act as a catalyst that will bring more professionalism to Rwanda’s fresh produce sector both for local supplies and for regional exports.
Source: newtimes.co.rw
