NIRDA launches programme to improve Fruits and Vegetables productivity

This Wednesday, the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) launched the Open Call Programme for fruits and vegetable processing value chain to help firms compete and acquire modern equipment with advanced technology to improve competitiveness and boost productivity. 

Firms that will be selected will also acquire technical and business advisory support as well as training. Together with technology, it is believed selected firms will improve competitiveness and productivity.

Eligible are established industries and enterprises within fruits and vegetables value chain with more than two years of experience

Fruits and vegetables processing value chain equipped with modern technology would also serve as one sector contributing to the creation of 214,000 decent and productive jobs annually as per the 7-year Government Program (2017-2024). 

A tech audit survey carried out by NIRDA revealed, "a big gap in the sector and calls for action."

Only 19% of the production of the fruit is processed while 1.4% of the vegetable produce is processed. 

Fruits and vegetables value chain is one of the drivers to boost Made in Rwanda Program and contribute to the export growth by 17% annually as outlined in the Seven Year Government Programme (7YGP). 

Supporting fruits and vegetables value chain by NIRDA is also aligned to contribute to Vision 2050’s Pillar 3 which is “The Economic Transformation Pillar” aims to accelerate private-sector-led economic growth and increased productivity.