The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has announced a plan to establish over 13,000 agriculture sites across all districts of the country as part of efforts to boost productivity and promote modern farming practices.
These sites will focus on selected priority crops, including rice, maize, beans, Irish potatoes, soybeans, bananas, wheat, cassava, vegetables, and fruits. Each site will be supervised by a trained agricultural officer to guide farmers and ensure proper management.
The project was announced by Dr. Florence Uwamahoro, RAB’s Deputy Director General in charge of Agricultural Development, during the launch of the first planting season in Kinazi Sector, Ruhango District.
Dr. Uwamahoro stated that the goal is to double yields by 2029, noting that some improved seed varieties have the potential to produce between 7 and 10 tons per hectare.
She emphasized that achieving this target will require close collaboration between agricultural institutions and farmers, through the provision of quality seeds and fertilizers. She also noted that the selected crops are resilient and capable of retaining water for extended periods, making them suitable even under challenging weather conditions.
Ruhango District Mayor, Valens Habarurema, said the district currently has 20 agricultural sites covering 2,000 hectares. He added that during this first planting season, the district plans to cultivate 44,000 hectares, including 3,000 hectares specifically allocated for maize.
The project will be implemented across all 30 districts of Rwanda, aiming to increase agricultural productivity, strengthen collaboration between farmers and agricultural officers, and help the country achieve food self-sufficiency and generate surplus for the market.
