UK agric. inputs company Balton invests in Rwanda

Rwanda's business climate continues to attract serious investors. Balton Rwanda, a subsidiary company of Balton CP, a leading British supplier of agricultural inputs, is the latest investor targeting the agriculture sector. Ignatius Ssuna interviewed the company's country manager, Bob Gatera.

Question : Could you explain to readers about Balton?

Answer : We supply a wide range of equipment to the agricultural sector : Machinery for bulk handling, grain storage, coffee and cocoa processing, feed mills, tractors, harvesters and implements. We also supply a vast range of agrochemicals like pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, growth regulators, and sprayers. Balton is the leader in provision of agronomy services, constantly assessing grower requirements for seeds, fertilisers and providing fast and cost effective solutions to rural farmers.

In modern farming, to get higher output, farmers need to use fertilisers. We also provide extensive knowledge and experience to assist flower, fruit and vegetable growers across the region by organising demonstration farms. Specialist support is available for greenhouse design, supply and installation. Introduction of irrigation systems helps to keep consistent supply of food. Field situations are designed, supplied, installed and fully serviced using in-house expertise.

The biggest Balton African market is in Ghana. Other markets include Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania and Uganda.

Question : How is the company prepared to work with farmers at the grassroots?

Answer : Our major focus is on the provision of relevant knowledge on modern agriculture. We sensitise and train Rwandans on the use of various chemicals, and where necessary create a team to help peasants in the application of the chemicals in the field. We ask farmers to form organisations because that is the only way they can access credits from us. We cannot avail cash to individuals, but once associations are formed, Balton shall avail them with credits.

The New Times