Modi in Africa: PM gifts 200 cows to villagers in Rwanda under 'Girinka' scheme

New Delhi/Rawanda, July 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted 200 cows in a symbolic gesture to a village in Rwanda, his first stop in a five-day, three-nation tour of Africa which begins Monday.

Modi donated 200 cows under 'Girinka'

Modi donated 200 cows under 'Girinka' (one cow per poor family programme). This gift to the east African country was locally sourced, and is meant as a contribution to Rwandan President Kagame's flagship Girinka program, in which the poorest get cows from the government and gift the first female calf to a neighbor to promote brother hood.

'Girinka' scheme

'Girinka' is a social protection scheme of the Rwandan government personally overseen by President Kagame. Girinka describes it as a centuries-old cultural practice in Rwanda whereby a cow was given by one person to another, as a sign of respect & gratitude.

When was 'Girinka' programme launched?

In 2006, Rwanda government launched the Girinka programme, under which the State gifted one milch cow to every poor family. Since its introduction, hundreds of thousands have received cows through the Girinka programme. The programme has contributed to an increase in agricultural production in Rwanda - especially milk production and products, reduced malnutrition and increased incomes.

The Prime Minister, who is on a two-day state visit to Rwanda, arrived on Monday on the first leg of his three-nation Africa tour, becoming the first Indian premier to visit the East African country.