Previously recognized as the best research exhibitor in 2022, AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd won the best exhibitor in youth category at the Rwanda National Agriculture show 2023

Dec. 25, 2023, 8:32 p.m.

The 16th National Agriculture Show, which took place from July 20 to July 29, 2023, at the Agriculture Exhibition Showground in Mulindi, Gasabo District, was a significant event for the agriculture sector in Rwanda. With the theme of "Transforming Agriculture into a Resilient and Competitive Sector through Technology, Innovation, and Investment," the exhibition brought together over 350 exhibitors and attracted 40,000 visitors.

Among the exhibitors, AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd, a youth-led private company established by the group of fresh graduates from the University of Rwanda, College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine (UR-CAVM) in 2019, that is headquartered in Musanze district, and is doing market-oriented agricultural research and extension services was the one. Our products and services included innovative solutions such as Climate Smart Potato farming, Sensor-powered Automatic Irrigation Technology, SmartInput Technology, Climate smart post-harvest handling technology (Zero Energy Cooling Chamber-Charcoal cooler), and Irish Potato Bread named "Inyamibwa."

These technologies were developed to address various challenges in the agricultural sector, including wastage and inefficient use of water during irrigation, misuse of agricultural inputs leading to low yields and environmental pollution, post-harvest losses, lack of climate-smart and affordable post-harvest handling technologies, malnutrition and stunting in specific districts, and high reliance on wheat importation. AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd's innovations and solutions attracted significant attention during the exhibition.

Over the course of the Agri Show, AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd received interest from farmers and cooperatives. They engaged with approximately 50 farmers who were keen on implementing their Sensor-powered Irrigation Technology, while 300 farmers and cooperatives expressed their need for the Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (Charcoal cooler) for post-harvest preservation. Additionally, 80 new users showed interest in their SmartInput Technology, and the company sold 240 units of Inyamibwa Potato breads.

Moreover, at the Agrishow, we had the honor of welcoming the Minister of Agriculture and Animal resources in Rwanda, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri along with the president of AGRA, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, to our stand. They expressed appreciation for our innovations and technologies to address current challenges. Their positive response further assured us that our solutions hold promise in tackling existing problems.

Figure 3  Hon. Min. of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ildephonse Musafiri together with Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, visited our stand during Agri Show and appreciated the innovations and technologies we were showcasing especially Irish Potato bread.

Figure 4 We have received different farmers' cooperatives and individual farmers from different parts of the country who came to learn about new locally adaptable technologies to help them increase productivity while building their resilience to climate change.

The exhibition also provided an opportunity for AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd to network with potential investors. We engaged in negotiations with four investors interested in promoting conservation agriculture, digital technologies like SmartInput, and their range of affordable and eco-friendly post-harvest technologies.

Furthermore, we contributed our insights to the panel discussion on the challenges that youth encounter in attracting investment to Rwanda’s agricultural sector and presented our proposed approach to foster youth investment in this sector, at the Agrishow side event “twitter event”, organized by Agri-influencers in collaboration of FAO and MINAGRI.

Figure 5 Our General Secretary, Violette Niyigena, speaking on the panel with FAO Rwanda, country representative, DG of Agriculture modernization/MINAGRI and MD, Gabiro Agribusiness Hub Ltd, during Twiter Event at Rwanda Agri show, 2023

To further highlight AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA’s achievements, we were honored to receive the Best Exhibitor award in the youth category. This recognition not only served as motivation for the company but also demonstrated the capabilities of Rwanda's youth in leading the transformation of the agriculture sector through technology and innovation. This accolade follows their previous recognition as the Best Research Exhibitor in the 15th Rwanda Agriculture Show in 2022.

To cut a long story short, the participation of AGRIRESEARCH UNGUKA Ltd in the 16th National Agriculture Show was a success, attracting significant interest in their technologies and solutions, forging partnerships with farmers, cooperatives, and investors, and receiving recognition for their innovative contributions to the agriculture sector.