RWANDA – Rwanda’s dairy sector is set for significant development with a US$13 billion investment earmarked to rejuvenate the Songa Centre of Dairy and Genetic Excellence.
The funding is a key component of the Rwanda Dairy Development Project-Phase 2 (RDDP 2), launched on August 30 by the Ministry of Agriculture.
It is set to transform the dairy industry over the next six years and impact 175,000 dairy farmers across the country.
The RDDP 2 aims to establish a well-organized and sustainable cattle breeding system at the Songa Centre. According to Methode Ngabo Gasana, the RDDP 2 Manager, the project will enhance Rwanda’s cattle genetics capabilities, boost milk productivity, and support resilient farming practices.
The center, based in Huye, has been underutilized but will now employ cutting-edge technologies such as genetic improvement techniques, including semen and embryo production, in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer.
The Songa Centre will focus on producing semen and embryos for dairy breeds like Holstein-Friesian and Jersey, but will also cater to other breeds like Fleckvieh, Charolais, and Angus as needed. Additionally, the center will support the conservation of indigenous breeds such as Inyambo and Inkungu.
With an investment of US$8 to US$10 million from the RDDP 2 budget, the center plans to boost its capabilities significantly.
It will offer advanced animal nutrition services, including improved forage production, hydroponic fodder production, and forage postharvest treatment. Irrigation and mechanization of forage lands will also be implemented to maximize productivity.
Gasana highlighted that the center will not only provide high-quality semen, embryos, and heifers but will also offer training on breeding technologies and dairy farm management.
Farmers will benefit from joining dairy farmers and breeders associations, gaining access to inputs, technologies, innovations, and markets.
Currently, the Songa Centre operates a semen production laboratory producing around 120,000 doses per year.
Once fully operational, it aims to produce over 400,000 semen doses and more than 3,000 embryos annually, along with selling high-quality dairy heifers. The 2023-2024 fiscal year saw the production of over 188,000 semen doses, reflecting a growing demand.
Solange Uwituze, Deputy Director General in charge of Animal Resources Development at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), noted that there are 617,770 breedable cows in Rwanda, though not all are inseminated, as some still use bulls
Subscribe to our food and agriculture industry email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE
