Rwanda turns to Hydroponic Fodder to boost Milk Production

In Nyagatare, milk production often plummets from 90,000 liters to 40,000 liters daily during dry seasons, posing significant challenges for farmers. To address this, the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) is promoting hydroponic fodder cultivation among farmers and the private sector.

The goal is to expand the area dedicated to various fodder varieties for livestock from 32,000 hectares to 87,000 hectares. Hydroponic farming, a soil-free method using minimal water, is being championed to mitigate forage shortages and bolster milk production, particularly during dry spells.

As Rwanda gears up to open its first milk powder factory in Nyagatare District, there is an urgent need to increase milk output. Hydroponic fodder, produced by growing seeds without soil and with minimal water, becomes a critical component in this strategy. Within six to seven days, seeds sprout into 30-35 centimeter tall seedlings, providing highly nutritious feed for livestock.

The process involves placing grains in treated trays and regularly spraying them with a nutrient-rich water solution. This method requires no electricity but depends on a reliable potable water source. The entire plant, including roots, leaves, and seeds, is consumed, ensuring a waste-free system. Producing one kilogram of hydroponic fodder uses just 800 milliliters to one liter of water, compared to the 80-90 liters needed for conventional green grass.

Part of Rwanda’s 5th Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5), this initiative aims to meet 85% of livestock fodder needs. Mupenzi Mutimura, a feed resources and animal nutrition researcher at RAB, emphasized the increased demand for fodder due to the government’s zero grazing enforcement. Research has identified 31 legume fodder varieties and over 20 cereal varieties, with nine being grown extensively through hydroponic technology.

Hydroponic fodder, rich in protein, enhances livestock immune systems and boosts milk and meat production. Facilities for hydroponic fodder are established in various districts, including Ngoma, Rwamagana, and Gicumbi. Though current production is limited, progress is evident.

This technology also aims to reduce methane emissions from livestock, which are a significant source of Rwanda’s agricultural methane emissions. The country targets a 30% reduction in methane emissions, focusing on the agriculture sector.

Jackson Karara, president of the Uruhimbi Kageyo Cooperative in Gicumbi District, highlighted their success in supplying hydroponic fodder to over 300 farmers across seven districts. Despite starting with an initial capital of Rwf12 million, they require financial support to expand. The cooperative sells hydroponic fodder at varying prices depending on the livestock and has trained over 150 youth, including vulnerable groups, and 2,000 farmers in hydroponic farming.

Francis Nkurunziza, a livestock farmer from Mwogo sector in Bugesera District, shared how dry spells drastically reduced his milk production and led to the loss of six cows. Hydroponic fodder could have prevented these losses. In Nyagatare, milk production typically drops during dry seasons, causing price hikes. Samuel Kayumba, a dairy farmer from Nyagatare, and Clementine Mukangarambe, a farmer from Rwamagana District, both noted improvements in milk production thanks to hydroponic fodder.

Hydroponic fodder presents a sustainable solution to fodder shortages and milk production challenges, especially in drought-prone areas. This technology supports Rwanda’s agricultural transformation and enhances climate resilience, offering hope for the country’s dairy farmers.

Credits: New Times