Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has pledged the government’s support to significantly boost agricultural productivity across Rwanda, calling on farmers to double their yields as a national priority. Speaking during the launch of the 2026 Agriculture season A in Nyaruguru District, the Prime Minister stressed the need for increasing crop yields, underscoring agriculture’s central role in improving food security, household incomes, and national development. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda’s Rwf7tn agriculture strategic plan The launch took place in Urwonjya marshland, covering 115 hectares, where the premier joined farmers in planting maize and reiterated the government's commitment to nearly double maize productivity—from the current 5.2 tonnes to at least 10 tonnes per hectare. The marshland is primarily used for maize and potato farming. A national call to action Speaking at the launch, Nsengiyumva underscored the critical role of agriculture in Rwanda’s development, highlighting the need for producing more for food security and having a surplus for markets. ALSO READ: How Rwanda plans to generate $1.5bn in agricultural exports He told the farmers at Urwonjya marshland that, with government support, they can reach 10 tonnes per hectare from the current 5.2 tonnes. Overall, he said, the government's strategic goal – under the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) is to increase the productivity of major food crops—including cassava, maize, and beans—by at least 50 per cent. This boost is expected, among others, to improve household income, support community-based health insurance payments, and enable families to afford school fees for their children. Nsengiyumva also encouraged farmers to adopt agricultural insurance to protect against potential losses from natural disasters or other unforeseen events. He called on farmers and all Rwandans to commit to this goal, pledging that the government will assess progress during the next harvest season. To reach the target, he outlined key actions which include cultivating all available arable land, whether hillside or marshland, using quality seeds, applying both organic and chemical fertilisers adequately, preparing for irrigation in case of drought or water shortages, and growing drought-resistant or short-maturity crops when needed. “Let us put in more effort so that we double our agricultural output,” he urged. “This message is not for you alone—it is for all Rwandan farmers,” he told the farmers. The premier reiterated that the government is determined to support farmers through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources by providing access to agronomists and agricultural extension services. Farmers respond with optimism Ferdinand Banzubaze, a farmer and member of the Abishyizehamwe Urwonjya Cooperative, confirmed that agricultural yields had already significantly improved thanks to government support. “Before the marshland was redeveloped in 2008, we harvested only 1.5 tonnes of maize per hectare. Now, we reach five tonnes,” he said. The cooperative, which has 1,742 members farming the 115-hectare marshland, has also seen potato yields increase dramatically—from five tonnes per hectare to 25 tonnes. Banzubaze expressed confidence in reaching the 10-tonne maize target, attributing this optimism to government assistance, including quality seeds, and fertilisers including lime. “What has been lacking is the right mindset and operational discipline,” he noted. “Some farmers succeed; others don’t. We need to work together to achieve our common goals.” Esperance Musabyimana, a farmer from Nyagisozi Sector, in Nyaruguru District added that access to sufficient fertilisers—including organic manure—is still a challenge that needs to be addressed to further boost productivity. Raising tea production and tackling challenges During his visit on the same day, Prime Minister Nsengiyumva toured Mata Tea Factory, also located in Nyaruguru District. The factory’s Managing Director, Cedrick Niyomugabo, said that the facility has a production capacity of 60 tonnes per day, but operates at only 80 per cent capacity during the peak season—and just 20–30 per cent during the dry season. “To tackle this, we’re expanding our tea plantations. We’ve planted 315 hectares, which will become productive in about three years,” Cedrick said. The factory, he said, has also supported farmers in expanding tea plantations by up to 104 hectares. Nsengiyumva stressed the need for irrigation to mitigate the impact of drought on tea yields. He underscored the importance of increasing both the quantity and quality of tea produced to boost export revenues and improve national welfare. Cedrick also highlighted infrastructure challenges, particularly poor road conditions that hinder the transport of tea to and from the factory. He called for government support to improve road access—a concern echoed by local farmers who said transportation difficulties negatively affect their earnings. In response, Nsengiyumva promised that the government would address these concerns, including improving road infrastructure, but also encouraged farmers and factory operators to contribute to the efforts. Rwanda’s annual tea export revenues are projected to rise from $107.7 million (the baseline) to $164.4 million by 2029 (52.6 per cent increase), according to the country’s fifth strategic plan for agriculture transformation (PSTA 5).
