Banana Farmers in Kirehe District Seek Solutions to Increase Value and Access International Markets

Banana farmers in Kirehe District are calling for efforts to increase the value of their bananas beyond local consumption, aiming to access international markets or diversify their use into products like biscuits, bread, and fries. This initiative was highlighted during a visit by residents, particularly from Mushikiri Sector, to district authorities under the “Shyashyanira umuturage” program, which seeks to collaboratively address community challenges and explore solutions. The district plans to extend such visits to all sectors.

Kirehe District is renowned for its banana production, especially in Mushikiri Sector, where bananas are cultivated on 1,750 hectares, producing at least 350,000 tons in the last quarter alone. Farmers shared with MUHAZIYACU that bananas have already contributed to economic prosperity by teaching proper cultivation techniques. However, they expressed concern that harvests are often sold cheaply, leading to losses, which fuels their desire to value-add and find better markets.

Ndayambaje Emmanuel, head of Mushikiri Farmers Cooperative, noted: “During the summer, yields are high, and farmers are eager to expand banana cultivation. Adding value will motivate more farmers to grow bananas. Currently, we sometimes feed bananas to livestock that are not meant for consumption, but we hear in Gisagara, they turn bananas into fries or export them. We want similar opportunities here.”

Kirehe District leaders visit banana farmers in Mushikiri

Professional banana farmer Murunga Chadrack explained: “We invest a lot in getting large bananas weighing over 100 kilograms, using fertilizers and proper care. When prices drop, our investment doesn’t pay off. Learning to add value to bananas, as we have been taught, will help us see the benefits of our efforts and investment.”

Kirehe District Mayor Rangira Bruno emphasized district initiatives to boost banana production and market access: “We are conducting study tours to other provinces to explore storage and value addition options, such as making biscuits. We’re also working to establish markets beyond Kigali, including in Tanzania, and delivering bananas to schools and neighboring markets.”

Farmers reported that a single ripe banana can weigh between 80 and 120 kilograms. Currently, when harvested, prices fluctuate between 80 Rwandan francs and 500 Rwandan francs per kilogram, raising concerns about potential price drops at harvest time.

Bananas are cultivated across over 25,000 hectares in all 12 sectors of Kirehe District, highlighting their significance to local agriculture and livelihoods. Farmers remain optimistic about the prospects of expanding market opportunities and increasing the value of their produce.

With MUHAZIYACU