Pineapple farmers in Ruhango struggle with market access after factory closure
Pineapple farmers in Kabagali Sector, Ruhango District, are decrying significant losses due to the lack of market access following the closure of the Karambi juice-processing factory, which had been their primary buyer.
Farmers report selling pineapples for as little as 100 or 200 Rwandan francs per fruit, far below the factory’s previous purchasing price of over 300 Rwandan francs.
The farmers, particularly members of the Abisunzeyesu Cooperative cultivating over five hectares of pineapples, express frustration that despite the high demand for pineapples from juice manufacturers locally and internationally, they remain unable to secure sustainable buyers.
In an interview with Imvaho Nshya, the farmers called for government intervention to prevent their produce from rotting in the fields.
Nelia Mukaneza, the leader of the Abisunzeyesu Cooperative, highlighted the challenges they face, stating:
“When the juice factory was operational, we had no issues finding a market for our produce. Now, we’re left to sell our pineapples at very low prices, with some buyers offering just 100 or 200 francs per fruit. We urge authorities to help us secure reliable markets for our harvests.”
Bosco Hakizimana, another farmer, emphasized that the lack of stable markets is discouraging some members from continuing pineapple farming.
“Without a dependable market, many of us are losing the motivation to farm. Some cooperative members have even stopped cultivating pineapples entirely, saying there’s no point in producing something that won’t sell,” he lamented.
The farmers are appealing to local authorities for advocacy to establish a permanent market that will restore their confidence in pineapple farming.
Ruhango District Mayor Valens Habarurema acknowledged the issue, assuring farmers that discussions are underway with several factories to purchase their produce.
“We encourage pineapple farmers in Kabagali, Kinihira, Bweramana, and Mwendo sectors to consolidate their harvests so we can better connect them to potential buyers, such as Inyange Industries or other processors,” he stated.
The mayor also revealed plans to construct a large processing plant to boost pineapple farming in the Kaduha corridor, which serves multiple sectors, including Kabagali, Bweramana, Kinihira, and Mwendo.
The Abisunzeyesu Cooperative, which has 140 members, along with other farmers in neighboring sectors, hope these efforts will lead to sustainable solutions for their market challenges.