As the world continues to understand the importance of advancing agriculture, Rwanda is making strides in promoting agricultural technology through the activities of the RICA Seed Center, where today marks the graduation of the first cohort of Rwandan professionals in seed technology and business.
The ceremony, held at Serena Hotel, was attended by prominent leaders, including Eric Pohlman, the CEO of RICA, and Dr. Patrick Karangwa, the Director General of Agriculture Modernization at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI). This program, developed in collaboration with One Acre Fund and funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, enabled the graduates to receive professional training in developing high-quality seeds, managing their quality, and implementing sustainable seed business practices.
In his speech, Eric Pohlman expressed pride and commitment to enhancing the skills of Rwandans in agriculture, saying, “These professionals will bring significant change, as they will reshape our agricultural practices on a broader and sustainable scale. This is a sign that our agriculture will have a well-defined direction, supported by locally-driven knowledge, rather than relying on imported seeds.”
Dr. Patrick Karangwa, the Director General of Agriculture Modernization at MINAGRI, highlighted the role of programs like this in achieving sustainable agriculture. He praised the graduates, stating, “These seed professionals will be the cornerstone of high-quality seed production, ensuring that quality seeds are consistently available, enabling local farmers to access better seeds without relying on imports.”
The courses offered in this first cohort included specialized knowledge alongside business and seed science training, which is expected to provide sustainable solutions to enhance agriculture in Rwanda. This is the first cohort, but it is expected to be the beginning of a shift towards making agriculture a valuable profession for the population and the country’s economy.
The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the graduates, RICA staff, sponsors, and all stakeholders involved. The 16 graduates, having completed their training, are now ready to contribute to the advancement of agriculture in Rwanda, armed with the knowledge to build sustainable seed businesses. The achievements marked a new path for agriculture in Rwanda, aiming to create a sustainable model for the country’s agricultural solutions, which will support the nation in producing high-quality seeds and expanding agriculture at its core.
