Parliament has set up an adhoc committee to investigate causes of losses among farmers.

The decision was made after Minister for Agriculture failed to convince Members of Parliament why farmers are unable to reap from their investments.

MPs noted that agriculture has become a loss-making sector as produce such as wheat, maize and milk don’t always get buyers because of quality concerns.

“Going by the explanations the ministry is giving, it seems as if all the issues have been address but during our outreach, we have found how the farmers are suffering to get agro-chemicals and fertilisers,” said Euthalie Nyirabega, He added that in some areas farmers are still using the same type of seeds for 11 years due to limited choices.

Forty out of 66 Members of Parliament present voted in favor of setting up adhoc committee to further investigate the concerns.

Last month, together with the Minister for Trade, Ministry of Agriculture failed to convince parliament on challenges the agriculture value chain is facing, which lead losses among farmers.

MPs questioned the outcomes of government efforts and heavy investment in the local seeds development, yet the country is still importing over 50 per cent of the overall seeds that are needed on every farming season.

The MPs also raised concerns over high taxes that rice farmers in swamps are subjected to pay, which they noted that push up production costs resulting in losses at the end of the season. Farmers pay between Rwf80,000 and Rwf100,000 per paddy of rice.