Groeiende vraag naar capaciteit voor luchtvracht in de tuinbouwexport

Inzicht in het huidige landschap

The rise in demand for horticulture exports has brought attention to the limitations of existing air cargo capacities. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in cargo volumes handled by the national carrier, RwandAir. In 2024, the cargo volume increased by an impressive 33 percent, climbing from 4,595 tonnes in 2023 to 6,113 tonnes. This uplift in cargo volume reflects the thriving horticultural sector, one that is becoming increasingly pivotal in global markets.

Challenges Facing Horticulture Exporters

The Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, emphasized the need to tackle logistical hurdles that stem from RwandAir’s constrained cargo capacity, particularly affecting exporters in the horticulture sector. This need was highlighted during a visit by Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva to the Gabiro Agribusiness Hub located in Nyagatare District.

The Gabiro Agribusiness Hub is poised to cover 15,600 hectaresmet 5,600 hectares already ready for use. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering food security, fostering economic development, and creating job opportunities. However, several companies working within various agricultural value chains at Gabiro, like Kinvest, voiced concerns regarding limited air freight capabilities impacting their ability to export products effectively.

Fostering Growth in the Horticulture Sector

Kinvest is at the forefront of horticulture production, growing crops like French beans, passion fruit, and Hass avocados, which are projected to reach harvest readiness in just three years. The company currently produces 500 tonnes of produce monthly, a volume that challenges the current cargo transport capacity of RwandAir.

Expansion of Air Cargo Capacity

Kinvest’s Managing Partner, Jesse Ratichek, pointed out the disparity between production scales and air transport capacity. He stressed the necessity for significant expansions in cargo capabilities to allow large-scale horticultural farms to penetrate major international markets. This increase will not only facilitate producers in meeting high-end customer demands but also enhance profitability throughout the supply chain.

This need invites a deeper discussion around investing in larger air freighters capable of directly transporting produce to international markets like Europe and the UK. Ratichek noted that adopting wide-body air freighters could resolve national issues, allowing for fresher produce deliveries while scaling up export volumes.

Emphasizing Improved Logistics

To address these logistics challenges, Ratichek mentioned Kinvest’s shift towards enhancing post-harvest operations, incorporating solutions like charcoal cooling systems and energy-efficient cold storage. These innovations could streamline the supply chain and extend the shelf-life of products being shipped overseas.

Currently, fresh produce is directly loaded into refrigerated trucks, making the journey to Kigali to be packed before reaching international markets with the help of airlines like RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines. The choice of transport significantly impacts product quality, with RwandAir’s direct flights generally yielding better outcomes than those involving layovers, which result in temperature fluctuations that may lead to increased rejection rates from customers.

Boosting Infrastructure for Future Growth

Addressing these pressing challenges is crucial for the future of the horticulture export sector. Minister Gasore remarked on the situation as a “good problem” to have, as it reflects high demand which necessitates operational adjustments. The growth projections for RwandAir, supported by their increase in dedicated cargo aircraft and frequency of service, highlight the ongoing efforts to ameliorate these logistical bottlenecks.

Navigating Future Trends in Horticulture Exports

As horticulture exports blossomed, creating a net worth of over $75 million in 2023/2024— an impressive increase of 29.1 percent compared to the previous year—Rwanda is gearing up for an even busier future. Projections indicate that there will be a surge in avocado production expected in the years ahead, emphasizing the urgency for airlines like RwandAir to adjust and expand their cargo fleets accordingly.

Conclusion: Aligning Cargo Transport and Horticulture Growth

The burgeoning demand for horticultural products places a spotlight on the necessity for expanded air cargo capacities. It shows that whilst improving air transport logistics seems daunting, it is crucial for harnessing the full potential of the sector. GetTransport.com stands ready to assist with reliable, affordable logistics solutions to ensure smooth, efficient cargo transportation globally, be it for home or office moves, or for the deliveries of oversized or bulky goods. This platform is designed to meet varied transport needs, equipping businesses and exporters to excel in today’s competitive market.

All in all, the growing horticulture export market and the associated logistical challenges it faces present both hurdles and opportunities. While reviews and insights provide a wealth of information, there’s no substitute for personal experience. Take advantage of GetTransport.com’s competitive rates, and navigate the complexities of transporting goods without breaking the bank. Dive into the experience and Ontvang de beste aanbiedingen nu!