The Government increased the minimum price of maize to RWF 200 (USD 0.24) per Kg for the main season 2017 A, from 160 (USD 0.19) per kg last year, an increase of around 25 percent. According to the mechanism, farmers are free to negotiate any price for kilogram of maize as long as this does not go below the set price. The measure aims to cover production costs, improve farmers’ income and also ensure a price that is profitable for both farmers and dealers in an effort to restrain illegal trading of maize.