HON. MINISTER MUKESHIMANA, ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS DISCUSS ON PROFESSIONALISING AGROCHEMICAL BUSINESS IN RWANDA

On September 20, 2017, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Gerardine Mukeshimana, held a Meeting with the appointed Advisory Council Members, the Registrar and Inspectors of Agrochemicals and discussed on enhancing professionalization of agrochemical business in Rwanda.

The minister also gave go ahead for official launching of the registration of agro chemical dealers including importers, distributors, retailers, fumigators and premises around the country.

Minister Mukeshimana stressed that with the Agrochemical Regulatory Framework in place, “it is time to move to the implementation phase as quick as possible to enable stakeholders to enjoy the benefits of the Law and curb the existing unprofessionalism in agrochemical business in the country.”

The agrochemical advisory council, the registrar and inspectors have been tasked to conduct systematic and routine inspections of dealers and premises and proceed to the registration of dealers and premises in accordance with the passed Law and regulations.

“It is our responsibility that we guarantee Rwandan farmers access to only right agrochemical products to help increase their productivity,” Minister Mukeshimana said. “Therefore, our country needs professional agrochemical dealers, duly licensed, providing the right products and operating from premises meeting required standards.”

Between 2011 and 2012, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) lead the process of drafting a Law to regulate agrochemicals. This was the beginning of establishing an agrochemical regulatory system in the Country: draft regulatory instruments were developed and submitted to stakeholders for wider discussions.

The Law No 30/2012 of 01/08/2012 Governing Agrochemicals was sanctioned, promulgated by the President of the Republic of Rwanda and published in the Official Gazette of Rwanda No. 37 of 10 September 2012 (pages 59 -100).

This Law governs the manufacturing, importing, distribution, use, storage, sale and disposal and burial of agrochemicals, for the protection of human and animal health and the environment, to avoid injury and contamination which may result from their use.

So far, a complete package of regulations and the implementation apparatus are in place and MINAGRI has been sensitizing the general public about the Agrochemical Law and regulations.

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