French firm seeks to introduce solar-powered milk coolers in Rwanda

The dairy industry in Rwanda is about to get a major boost with the introduction of solar-powered milk coolers by Serap Group, a French-based firm specializing in designing and manufacturing innovative solutions for milk preservation. Ali Haidar, Sales Manager for milk coolers in Africa and the Middle East at Serap Group, shed light on this groundbreaking initiative during a recent interview with CNBC Africa. Haidar highlighted the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in the country, where a significant portion of the milk production comes from small farms with 10 to 15 cattle in the herd. Only 10% of the national milk production is collected, and the price of milk at the farm gate is alarmingly low, leading to financial struggles for farmers. Moreover, the improper cooling of milk after milking poses a threat to its quality, as the number of germs in milk doubles every 20 minutes. To address these issues, Serap Group has developed a solution that involves the use of a small ice bank powered by solar energy to produce ice water. Traditional milk cans with a capacity of 30 to 50 liters are placed in this ice water immediately after milking, rapidly reducing the milk's temperature from 35 to 8 degrees Celsius within an hour. By enabling farmers to cool the milk close to the source, the solution aims to improve milk quality and increase farmers' income by reducing the risk of milk rejection at processing units. The traditional approach of using milk cooling tanks, which are expensive and require electricity and infrastructure, has proven to be challenging for smallholder farmers. This has resulted in a gap between milk production at the farm level and collection centers, leading to logistical issues and potential milk wastage. Serap Group's innovative approach provides a cost-effective and practical solution that is tailored to the specific needs of small-scale dairy farmers. Haidar emphasized the importance of establishing a network of milk collection centers and hubs to facilitate the efficient cooling and transportation of milk. With over 50 years of experience in setting up such facilities, Serap Group is well-equipped to support local dairy stakeholders in implementing sustainable solutions for milk preservation. In Rwanda, the demand for solar-powered milk coolers has been met with enthusiasm, with various institutions and organizations expressing interest in adopting the technology. Haidar revealed that discussions are underway for the delivery of 50 to 60 milk can coolers in the coming months, underscoring the growing interest and potential for the adoption of this innovative solution in the country. As Rwanda aims to strengthen its dairy sector and boost milk quality standards, the introduction of solar-powered milk coolers by Serap Group could mark a significant milestone in empowering smallholder farmers and enhancing the overall efficiency of the dairy value chain. With the potential to improve milk quality, reduce wastage, and increase farmers' income, this innovative solution holds the promise of a brighter future for the dairy industry in Rwanda.