Rwanda: Government moves to probe sharp increase in potato prices

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has deployed teams across the country to inquire into factors behind drastic rise in Irish potato prices among other food prices to the extent that has been recorded for the first time, The New Times has learnt. "We have sent teams to the field. We will have a report this coming Friday after properly understanding the factors behind the price increase," confirmed Jean-Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, the Minister of Trade and Industry while speaking to The New Times. Donathile Mukeshimana, a farmer from Nyange sector of Musanze district attributed the spike in prices to heavy rains which were followed by prolonged dry spells. According to her, the yield is at its lowest in as many years. "Currently a kilogramme of potatoes which are even of poor quality goes for Rwf400 at the farm gate and over Rwf500 in urban areas such as Musanze town It is the first time we are experiencing such hike," she said. In Kigali, a kilo goes for about Rwf600 which consumers ...