Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) on Thursday, May 7, launched a subsidised insurance for greenhouse agriculture to protect farmers against climate shocks, while encouraging investment in commercial agriculture. The insurance covers greenhouse structures, crops, irrigation equipment and produce during transportation. The government will subsidise 40 percent of the insurance premium while farmers pay the remaining 60 percent.

Speaking during the launch, officials said Rwanda sees greenhouse farming as key to addressing shrinking farmland, climate change and rising demand for high-value export crops.

"Greenhouse farming requires heavy investment, and many farmers fear losing everything after disasters such as strong winds, pests or diseases," said Joseph Museruka, national coordinator of agricultural and livestock insurance programs.

"We introduced this insurance because farmers had requested it for a long time," he said. "A farmer can invest between 30 and 40 million francs in greenhouse farming, yet we frequently face strong winds and floods."

Source - https://www.hortidaily.com