20091228
allafrica

Kigali — Cattle traders in the Eastern province have been severely affected by a ban on transportation of livestock to DR Congo.

The ban that was issued by the Rwanda Livestock Authority was put in place to allow cattle traders export cattle products especially meat other than the animals themselves.

Dr. Justin Zimurinda, the representative of Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority (RARDA) in Eastern Province acknowledged the losses.

"A cow that used to fetch Rwf 300,000 is now sold at Rwf 120,000," Zimurinda said. "Farmers are encountering terrible losses."

According to Zimurinda, exporting beef is more profitable than selling an animal that is alive. Farmers can also benefit from the animal's by-products like horns and skins which they can sell and earn more money.

Charles Rutinduka, of Karangazi sector, Nyagatare district argued that while the idea was great, its implementation is hurting them hard.

"It is good that we think about processing the cows' by-products, but let it come gradually," Rutinduka said.

"In the mean time, people should be allowed to sell their cows to avoid unnecessary losses."