Rwandan Farmer Uses Computerized Greenhouse to Improve Productivity

Jean-Claude Ruzibiza is not worried about climate change which has been a universal challenge to agricultural productivity.

A computerised greenhouse is protecting his produce against extreme weather patterns and enabling him to annually harvest about 30 tonnes of tomatoes and 19 tonnes of bell pepper (poivron) on an 800 square metre plot of land.

The Rulindo District-based farmer and father of six, told The New Times that the technology enables him to harvest quality produce and ensure a sustainable out put.

He said other benefits of planting in the greenhouse is that it protects farmers against common challenges of water shortage and drought or even excess water resulting from climate change, which affect crop productivity.

“I harvest all the time, I do not get impeded by the sun or rain,” he says noting that he can harvest 400 kilogrammes of bell pepper per week from half of his farm.

Thanks to his quality produce, the farmer supplies commodities to supermarkets and hotels with a kilogramme of tomatoes being sold at between Rwf400 and Rwf500, while bell pepper costs between Rwf1,000 and Rwf1,500.

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/article/2017-04-17/210809

Dominic Chavez/World Bank

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