A new initiative aimed at boosting horticulture production, quality and exports has been launched by the National Agricultural Export Board (NAEB) and sector stakeholders.
The Rwanda Horticulture Working Group also seeks to attract more private investments into horticulture industry, as well as stimulate dialogue among stakeholders, George William Kayonga, the NAEB chief executive officer, said.
According to Kayonga, the group will provide a platform to promote more public-private sector partnerships in the sector to help expand the country's horticultural sector.
The initiative is also expected to play a key role in provision of advisory services, especially on best agricultural practices, post harvest handling of fresh produce, and marketing.
According to the National Export Strategy, the horticulture industry is expected to fetch more than $129 million per year by 2018, from current $10 million.
Meanwhile, NAEB started mapping and profiling land that is suitable for horticulture, which will be availed horticulture investors next year, according to officials.The target is to have at least 2,000 hectares dedicated to export-oriented production by 2018.
