The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resource Development Board (RAB) is conducting trials on new potato varieties that require no fungicide spraying, officials said. According to Athanase Nduwumuremyi, Senior Research Fellow and Roots and Tubers Program Coordinator at RAB, the initiative, which is part of the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMO), aims “to reduce production costs and stabilize market prices.” ALSO READ: Rwanda to begin GMO trials for potatoes by February 2025 Potatoes are a staple food in Rwanda but price volatility due to fluctuating productivity has been a persistent challenge. According to Nduwumuremyi, various studies are being conducted to ensure the country successfully addresses current challenges hindering the potato industry. We are actively researching new, highly productive varieties to lower market prices, Nduwumuremyi said. Currently, low productivity drives up costs. By reducing production costs, we anticipate a decrease in market prices. Nduwumuremyi highlighted that the use of fungicide accounts for approximately 40 percent of crop losses. We are currently conducting research on developing varieties that eliminate the need for fungicide spraying.” “We are making significant progress, with trials reaching approximately 70 percent completion.” According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), in 2024, the average potato yield was 6.8 tonnes per hectare for small-scale farmers and 14.9 tonnes per hectare for large-scale farmers, with an average yield of 9.1 tonnes per hectare in season C per hectare. One of the critical issues in the potato value chain, for example, is access to improved seeds. But new studies and the adoption of sandponics and aeroponics technologies used by Rwandan farmers show promising results. Promoting new technologies and improving access to quality seeds for smallholder farmers strengthens the potato food system, Appolinaire Karegeya, Chairperson of the Musanze-based Seed Potato Fund (SPF) Ikigega, said. These technologies enable farmers to achieve higher yields compared to traditional practices. We are supporting farmers with advanced techniques and encouraging the use of improved seeds to increase national production. ALSO READ: Govt turns to orange-fleshed sweet potatoes to combat malnutrition Despite having supported 2,000 farmers over the past two years, the organisation acknowledges the need to reach 20,000-30,000 farmers, focusing on transitioning from traditional to modern farming methods. Call for subsided seeds Farmers are advocating for subsidized improved seeds, similar to the Nkunganire fertilizer subsidy programme. We recommend that improved seeds be made affordable to prevent farmers from being overwhelmed by high costs, ensuring food security for Rwandans, said Florence Uwimbabazi, a farmer in Rubavu District. Subsidies are very necessary,” said Isaac Nzabarinda, another seed multiplier in Musanze District. “There is a need for more efforts towards boosting the potato value chain because the cost of transportation, fertilizers, and labour has also increased.”
