RWANDA – The Rwandan government has officially inaugurated a US$4 million animal feed factory in the Masoro industrial zone, marking a significant milestone in supporting local livestock farmers.
The new facility, the Gorilla Feed Factory, will produce essential feed for pigs, chickens, and cows, addressing a critical need within the agricultural sector.
The factory is expected to alleviate the ongoing feed crisis by producing various types of feed tailored to different stages of livestock development, including piglets, growing pigs, and breeding sows.
Currently, the cost per kilogram of pig feed ranges from Rwf 450 to Rwf 500, but these prices can fluctuate based on location and distance from the purchase point.
Dr. Sang Ju Park, General Manager of Gorilla Feed Factory, acknowledged past challenges in ensuring feed quality due to inadequate technology.
With the new factory, he indicated they could produce 20 tons of feed per hour, amounting to 200 tons daily. This increased capacity is expected to improve livestock feed availability and quality significantly.
Dr. Fabrice Ndayisenga from the National Agricultural Research and Development Agency (RAB) emphasized that this factory will help farmers tackle feed shortages and improve livestock health.
Currently, six factories in Rwanda produce livestock feed, and the Gorilla Feed factory will join this vital industry to enhance the country’s agricultural productivity.
In alignment with Rwanda’s sustainable meat production planning, with projections indicating that pigs will contribute 48% of total meat consumption, chickens 32%, and cows 14%.
The Gorilla Feed factory represents a significant step forward for Rwanda’s agricultural landscape. Focusing on affordability and quality, the facility is set to transform livestock farming, ultimately contributing to the country’s food security and economic growth.
The opening of the factory has been warmly welcomed by pig farmers in Rwanda, who have emphasized the importance of affordable feed prices.
Jean Claude Shirimpumu, a local pig farmer, highlighted previous struggles with feed shortages that led to rising prices.
“We requested this so we could have enough food that doesn’t cost us too much,” Shirimpumu stated, expressing optimism about the new factory’s impact on stabilizing feed supply and costs.
Anne Karemera, who raises over 12,000 layer hens in the Gasabo District, also expressed her support for the initiative. She noted that unreliable feed sources had previously affected her hens’ productivity.
“But now that the factory is here, I am confident,” expecting a production rate increase from 75% to 95% due to the stable feed supply, Karemera said.
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