For Season A 2020, fruits and vegetables production was 183.657 million tons. For the same season 2019, it was 207.718 million tons, according to the National Institute of Statistics in Rwanda (NISR).
The production of fruits and vegetables counting for season A 2020 has decreased compared to the production of the same period in 2019.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, vegetable production has not declined. Rather, fruit production has been good, without giving further details.
The first five districts in order of merit are Rubavu (17,258 MT) in the Western province, followed by Nyabihu (17,005 MT) in the same province, with Rulindo (12,774 MT) in the Northern province in third place. The second last is Kayonza (12,300 MT) in the East and finally Kamonyi in the South (11,723MT).
The vision as set out in the revised National Agricultural Policy (2018) is to have a nation that enjoys food security, nutritional health and sustainable agricultural growth with a productive, green and market-oriented agricultural sector by 2030.
Fruits and vegetables are sources of vitamins, minerals and other fibres that are beneficial to the body and well-being. Eating five fruits and vegetables a day can promote good health.
Benefits of a fruit and vegetable diet
They prevent overweight because most of them have a low energy density and are low in calories. On the other hand, they have a greater capacity to satiate us than other foods thanks to their high fibre content.
They protect the heart and blood vessels. Their role is to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Over-fatty foods will tend to damage our health in the long term by clogging the arteries. The oxidation of cholesterol is an element that can accumulate in the arteries.
They strengthen the bones. This is the case with broccoli, which contains a lot of calcium. Other vegetables from the same family, such as cabbage, also provide a significant amount of calcium for the body.
It should be noted that this type of diet protects against cancer. Studies show that eating at least five fruits a day will reduce the risk of cancer.
Next April, the next production of season A for the year 2020-2021 should be made public.
Gérard Rugambwa
