The Rwanda seed production is mainly focused on priority crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans. The production is usually carried out by local small-scale farmers, who provide the harvested crops that then need to be treated in the existing seed processing plants.
So far, the problem in this region has been the lack of post-harvest equipment, which has driven investment from the Rwanda government and of other private investors, who joined forces in the "Africa Improved Foods" project which is a public-private partnership with a mission of producing high quality and nutritious food for the African population.
This project aims to provide food to the most at-risk, like young children, old people and pregnant women, in principal, working to solve the problem of malnutrition. The supply chain for food processing is crucial, not only for the selection of high-quality raw materials, but also to add vitamins and minerals to get more nutritious food.
Cimbria is providing some Delta cleaners, elevators and dryers in the new plant based in Kigali, which is now becoming a key point of reference within the Africa Improved Foods supply chain.
In this plan,t several pieces of Cimbria equipment are going to be installed to ensure the best cleaning and drying of these grains. The drying phase is very important in this region, due to the high-humid climate conditions. A good drying process can avoid the typical aflatoxin infestation, which is capable of destroying half of the crop if the grain is not stored in proper conditions. Our commitment, as machine manufacturers and engineering consultants, is always to try and achieve perfect drying levels, so that aflatoxins cannot develop in the grain.
The last stage of the processing line is storage, which prevents the grain from being exposed to climatic and infestation conditions. The Cimbria contribution to this project represents a positive step forward in the food supply chain development in Africa and for Africans, the chance to increase farmers growth and improve the wellbeing of the population.
