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{
    "id": 400005,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/400005/?format=api",
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    "type": "other",
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    "content": "this country. If we focus on the production of fruits and vegetables, we will have a high yield, but suffer so much because of wastage. That is why we need a good policy framework that will help us to curb this problem that we are facing. As we visit different counties, we find that many people are practising horticulture. There are people with greenhouses. In some counties, people are even being supported to construct greenhouses. But we should ask ourselves: After they harvest, what will happen to the produce? For example, in the case of tomatoes, how will the farmers make profit without means of preservation? In Lugari Constituency, where I come from, there is a place called Luandeti, where they actually produce so many tomatoes. The same applies to Misikhu in Webuye East. You will get women selling their tomatoes at Kshs10 or Kshs20. It is a real pity because they spend so much money to grow the tomatoes, but do not have a better way of selling their produce. Therefore, we should encourage modern food preservation and storage methods and use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to do marketing of our produce. This will also create jobs for our young people. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, freezing is a very effective form of food preservation. It helps to retain the original quality of the agricultural produce for a long period of time. At the same time, freezing does not require a lot of energy. That is why it is very important for the national Government to come up with a policy that will enable us improve production and even encourage the local and foreign investors who want to put their resources in agriculture. Actually, freezing has been successfully used in different places as a way of preserving food for a long time. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, since we are in the digital era, we should apply new technology of industrial freezing that will ensure that our products are stored for longer periods, without interfering with their quality. In Rwanda, for example, there is a Workforce Development Authority which looks into the issues that affect people. It also gives guidance to the Government to ensure that the needs of the people are put into consideration. I support the creation of such a workforce authority because it will advise the national Government and the Ministry of Agriculture, so that as they formulate this policy, they will capture the needs that are required at the moment. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I support the Motion and urge the Government to develop a policy on food preservation and storage through modern refrigeration."
}