National and Local Post-harvest Centers reach 75% completion under Smart Food Value Chain Management Project
The construction progress for the National Post-harvest Center (NPC) and four Local Post-h Centers (LPCs) being developed under the Smart Food Value Chain Management (SFVCM) Project has reached 75 percent. This marks a major implementation milestone in the country’s efforts to reduce postharvest losses and strengthen value addition for high-value horticultural crops.
Implemented from 2022 to 2026, the SFVCM Project is a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and the Government of the Republic of Korea. The project is jointly executed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), through its Project Management Consultant (PMC), and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). Activities are taking place in four districts—Bugesera, Nyagatare, Rubavu, and Rulindo—selected for their chili and onion production potential and postharvest handling needs.
The National Processing Center located at NAEB Headquarters in Kigali and the district-based LPCs are designed to provide modern infrastructure for sorting, grading, drying, storage, and processing. Once fully operational, these centers will significantly reduce postharvest losses for onions, chili while improving quality and shelf-life for both domestic and export markets.
According to Claude BIZIMANA, the Chief Executive Officer of NAEB, this achievement reflects strong commitment and effective collaboration between Rwanda and Korea.
“This reaffirms the momentum of the Smart Food Value Chain Management Project and the importance of investing in modern postharvest systems. These centers will enhance value addition, improve farmer incomes, and strengthen Rwanda’s competitiveness across horticultural value chains,” he said.
In addition to infrastructure development, the project is introducing ICT-based traceability solutions, real-time market information systems, and capacity-building interventions to support farmers, cooperatives, and processors. These components are designed to reinforce the sustainability and efficiency of Rwanda’s horticulture sector from production to market.
National and Local Post-harvest Centers reach 75% completion under Smart Food Value Chain Management Project
The construction progress for the National Post-harvest Center (NPC) and four Local Post-h Centers (LPCs) being developed under the Smart Food Value Chain Management (SFVCM) Project has reached 75 percent. This marks a major implementation milestone in the country’s efforts to reduce postharvest losses and strengthen value addition for high-value horticultural crops.
Implemented from 2022 to 2026, the SFVCM Project is a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and the Government of the Republic of Korea. The project is jointly executed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), through its Project Management Consultant (PMC), and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). Activities are taking place in four districts—Bugesera, Nyagatare, Rubavu, and Rulindo—selected for their chili and onion production potential and postharvest handling needs.
The National Processing Center located at NAEB Headquarters in Kigali and the district-based LPCs are designed to provide modern infrastructure for sorting, grading, drying, storage, and processing. Once fully operational, these centers will significantly reduce postharvest losses for onions, chili while improving quality and shelf-life for both domestic and export markets.
According to Claude BIZIMANA, the Chief Executive Officer of NAEB, this achievement reflects strong commitment and effective collaboration between Rwanda and Korea.
“This reaffirms the momentum of the Smart Food Value Chain Management Project and the importance of investing in modern postharvest systems. These centers will enhance value addition, improve farmer incomes, and strengthen Rwanda’s competitiveness across horticultural value chains,” he said.
In addition to infrastructure development, the project is introducing ICT-based traceability solutions, real-time market information systems, and capacity-building interventions to support farmers, cooperatives, and processors. These components are designed to reinforce the sustainability and efficiency of Rwanda’s horticulture sector from production to market.
