Rwanda is set to unveil three new rice varieties, which could potentially rival highly sought-after long-grain imports such as Basmati, officials said.

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The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) announced that the new varieties have successfully passed the national release commission, paving the way for their introduction to farmers across different regions.

During a session with the Parliamentary Committee on Land, Agriculture, Livestock, and Environment on November 12, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) confirmed that the three new varieties are ready for dissemination.

According to Olivier Kamana, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, the country seeks to reduce reliance on imports and better align local production with consumer preferences for long-grain, aromatic rice.

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"We are closing the gap between consumer preferences and local production, which will enhance the quality of locally grown rice and reduce import dependence,” Kamana told MPs.

Solange Uwituze, the Acting Director General of RAB, explained that the variety known as Buryohe will be officially released during the 2026 agricultural season in the Bugarama plain in Rusizi District.

In the meantime, two other varieties, Teta 241 and Teta 242, are already being cultivated in Nyanza and Gisagara districts, she said.

"Another promising variety, Agasaro, is still undergoing final trials and is expected to join the list soon,” Uwituze said.

She added that these new releases will complement other improved local varieties being trialed in various wetlands according to soil and climatic conditions.

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Uwituze noted that among the newly approved varieties, one called Keza has already received official release approval and will be primarily grown in the Bugarama wetlands.

"It yields between five and six tonnes per hectare under favorable conditions," she said. "Similarly, the Teta varieties, currently cultivated in Cyiri, Nyiramageni, Mushaduka, and Mirayi, produce between three and five tonnes per hectare, marking a significant improvement in local productivity,” she said.

Developing a new rice variety, however, is a long and meticulous process.

Uwituze explained that it takes between three and five years of rigorous trials before a seed is released for nationwide use.

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Kamana added that while the process may seem lengthy, it ensures that each seed performs well under Rwanda’s climate and meets both farmers’ and consumers’ expectations.

Lawmakers commended the development of long-grain rice varieties, as most rice cultivated locally consists of short or medium-grain types, creating a gap between domestic supply and market demand.

MP Speciose Ayinkamiye said the release of these new varieties will help bridge the gap in long-grain rice.

"If Rwandans prefer long-grain aromatic rice, we must focus our efforts on producing what the market needs,” she said. "There’s no reason to keep growing varieties that consumers don’t want.”

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Agriculture remains a key sector in Rwanda’s economy, contributing more than 25% to the national GDP, generating 37% of export revenues, and employing over 70% of the population.

Kamana clarified that while the new varieties will be made available nationwide, farmers will not be compelled to adopt them.

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"Different varieties serve different market segments,” he said. "We know that premium consumers prefer Basmati, but other varieties remain important for affordability and food security.”

In addition to introducing new varieties, the government is also working to strengthen the rice value chain.

Alice Mukamugema, Director General of Agriculture Value Chain Management and Trade at the Ministry of Agriculture, said efforts are underway to modernize local processing facilities.

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"Last year, we conducted a benchmarking study and realized that many of our rice mills are outdated,” Mukamugema explained.

"We have since partnered with 28 factories to upgrade processing lines so that locally produced rice can meet both domestic and export standards.”

Uwituze added that Rwanda’s rice is predominantly grown under irrigation, unlike in many countries where it is cultivated on hillsides. While this approach helps boost yields, it also increases production costs.

"By focusing on adaptable, high-yield varieties, we aim to lower production costs and make Rwandan rice more competitive,” she said.

In 2024, Rwanda produced about 142,000 tonnes of rice, a 6.2 per cent increase from the previous year. Rice imports rose by 21 per cent to about 509,000 tonnes over the same period, according to the Ministry of Trade.

The country spent $317.2 million (approximately Rwf453.3 billion) on rice imports.