Gorilla Feed Company Launches High-Capacity Factory to Boost Animal Feed Production

By Prince Boris CYUBAHIRO.

Gorilla Feed Co. Ltd, a local leader in high-quality animal feed production and distribution, officially inaugurated a new factory on Thursday, July 11, 2024. This state-of-the-art facility is set to produce 20 tons of animal feed per hour.

Founded in 2015, Gorilla Feed Co. Ltd has aimed to enhance livestock farming in Rwanda and the broader East African region, establishing itself as a trusted partner in agribusiness.

During the inauguration ceremony, Gorilla Feed’s CEO & Managing Director, Dr. Sang Ju Park, expressed his optimism about the factory’s potential impact.

“Our expectation with this new factory is immense. Rwanda’s rapidly growing economy provides a fertile ground for our success in productivity. This factory will address the issues of poor quality and insufficient supply in the market. With the capability to produce 200 tons per day, we are confident in meeting the demands of our farmers,” said Dr. Sang Ju Park.

Dr. Sekomo Christian, Director General of the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA), elaborated on the agency’s role in supporting Gorilla Feed and other factories.

“We initiated this project in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed progress. Resuming in 2022, we facilitated the transportation of essential machinery. Previously, production was limited to 5 tons per hour due to manual mixing. Now, with advanced technology, we can produce 20 tons per hour. NIRDA invested 600 million RWF in this factory, of which 300 million will be reimbursed. Our goal is to meet the demand of local farmers and the neighboring markets,” Dr. Sekomo stated.

He further emphasized the importance of technology in enhancing production quality. “Technology plays a crucial role in producing high-quality animal feeds and in the storage techniques used. Animals require standard feed to ensure high productivity.”

Dr. Sekomo highlighted the need for external support to meet the increasing demand for animal feed.

“Recognizing that local production does not meet demand, we have sought support from sponsors and the government. We will collaborate with local banks, conduct technical assessments, and evaluate business capacities. The government will act as a guarantor for loans, enabling businesses to invest in necessary technology.” He said.

Anne Karemera, a chicken farmer from Gasabo district, shared her positive experience with Gorilla Feed.

“I have 12,000 chickens, and since partnering with Gorilla Feed, my production has increased from 75% to 95%. The factory’s capacity to meet our feed demands eliminates the need for stockpiling. Previously, we mixed our own feeds, which hampered productivity. This factory has been a game-changer,” she said.

This new factory marks a significant milestone for Gorilla Feed Co. Ltd and the agribusiness sector in Rwanda, promising improved productivity and growth for the region’s farmers.

Despite the promising advancements with the new factory, challenges remain in ensuring sufficient animal feed availability in Rwanda. Limited land availability and high costs continue to pose significant obstacles.

Despite efforts to improve forage productivity and quality, farmers still face feed shortages in both wet and dry seasons. Reliance on feed from neighboring farms and markets provides temporary relief but is not a sustainable solution.

Additionally, processors depend heavily on imported raw materials, which further drives up costs. These ongoing challenges underscore the importance of initiatives like Gorilla Feed Co. Ltd’s new factory in striving to meet the growing demand for animal feed in Rwanda.

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