Avocado Farming: The New Investment Generating Foreign Exchange for the Youth

 

In previous years, avocado farming was largely seen as a backyard activity just to provide fruit for the family. Today, things have changed completely. Avocado farming has become a major investment, with many young people buying land in the provinces to grow avocados for the international market, generating significant foreign exchange.

Choosing Market-Ready Varieties To make a profit in this sector, you cannot just plant any avocado tree. The European and Middle Eastern markets have a high demand for the 'Hass' and 'Fuerte' varieties. These types mature quickly, offer high yields, and can survive long transportation times without spoiling when exported.

An Expanding and Accessible Market The Rwandan government, through the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), has established frameworks to help farmers find international buyers and export their produce via air freight. The primary requirement for the farmer is to maintain the crops properly, use the right fertilizers, and avoid harmful pesticides that degrade the fruit's quality.