Rwanda Fertilizer Company launches customised blends to boost yields

Rwanda Fertilizer Company (RFC), in a joint venture with OCP Africa, the Agaciro Fund, and Agro Processessing Trust Corporation (APTC), has unveiled three new “Made in Rwanda” fertiliser blends aimed at enhancing soil health and agricultural productivity. RFC is a leading provider of customised agricultural solutions dedicated to fostering sustainable and productive farming practices in Rwanda. The new fertiliser products, unveiled on November 10, include Twihaze, Ongera, and Ongera . The official launch, attended by senior representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), and other national institutions, marks a pivotal step forward in Rwanda’s agricultural transformation. “We are celebrating years of research conducted through the Rwanda Soil Information System, which was launched last year, as well as the collaborative commitment of the Rwanda Fertilizer Company agronomy team to develop formulas tailored to each crop and soil type across Rwanda. The previous ones were not specific to Rwandan soil or tailored to individual crops,” said Anass Khanchoufi, Managing Director of RFC. The fertiliser blends are designed to accelerate Rwanda’s transition towards precision agriculture and sustainable productivity growth. Developed in close collaboration with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) through the Rwanda Soil Information System (RwaSIS), these innovative products reflect a science-based, data-driven approach to fertiliser formulation, precisely tailored to Rwanda’s diverse soils and crop needs. “We are very pleased that farmers in Rwanda will now benefit from fertilisers adapted to their soils—rich in macronutrients and essential elements. We strongly believe that these new products will deliver the added value Rwandan farmers expect, including increased yields and improved productivity. This means you will find distinct products for the eastern, western, northern, and southern parts of Rwanda, among others,” he said. He said that innovation and collaboration with government institutions and the private sector are key to achieving more and promoting precision and sustainable agriculture in Rwanda. Twenty per cent increase in yields By translating advanced soil science into locally produced solutions, RFC is setting a new benchmark for efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in African agriculture. With yield increases projected at over 20 per cent and resource efficiency gains reaching 40 per cent, the initiative demonstrates how data-driven, public–private collaboration can empower smallholder farmers, strengthen food security, and drive Rwanda’s economic growth. “For years, Rwandan farmers relied on uniform fertiliser recommendations that overlooked the country’s diverse agro-ecological zones,” said Khanchoufi. This one-size-fits-all model limited yields and reduced soil efficiency. “With our new products, we are bringing customised solutions to Rwandan farmers, improving both yields and soil health.” Crops and agroecological zones The new blends directly address Rwanda’s most pressing soil challenges. Twihaze combines lime (providing calcium and magnesium) with phosphorus from TSP, potash, and trace elements. By correcting soil acidity, it unlocks trapped nutrients and enhances the performance of subsequent applications. Twihaze is designed to benefit rice, wheat, Irish potatoes, and maize. It is suited to agro-ecological zones such as Congo Nile Watershed Divide, Rugeramigozi, and Rwasave. Ongera provides targeted micronutrients essential for higher yields of Irish potatoes. It is suited to agro-ecological zones such as the Buberuka Highlands. Ongera is a premium formulation with reinforced sulphur, zinc, and boron to address identified deficiencies for rice, wheat, Irish potatoes, and maize. It is suited to agro-ecological zones such as Birunga, Eastern Savanna, Eastern Plateau, Mayaga and Bugesera, Lake Kivu Border, Impala, Buberuka Highlands, and Central Plateau. Science and data at the core of customisation Beyond their composition, these blends represent a new generation of smart formulations designed to meet both crop-specific and regional requirements. The fertilisers are produced at RFC’s state-of-the-art blending facility in the Bugesera Special Economic Zone, inaugurated in December 2023. In 2019, the Government of Rwanda launched the Rwanda Soil Information System (RwaSIS), a high-resolution digital database mapping soil nutrient profiles nationwide. Officially operational since November 2024, RwaSIS identified two major constraints to productivity: widespread soil acidity and micronutrient deficiencies. Over 80 per cent of Rwanda’s arable land suffers from high acidity, reducing nutrient availability, while deficits in sulphur, zinc, and boron limit plant growth and grain quality. Within this scientific context, RFC’s new range represents a decisive shift from standardised to customised nutrition. Guided by the 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles—applying the right nutrient, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place—RFC is advancing sustainable intensification, improving soil vitality, and enhancing long-term resilience in farming systems. Scientifically validated Each new blend was developed through a rigorous process of agronomic research, field trials, and stakeholder collaboration. Leveraging RwaSIS data, RFC, OCP Africa, and partners including MINAGRI, RAB, and national agro-dealer networks, organised technical workshops to co-design blends aligned with both scientific findings and farmers’ realities. Extensive on-farm demonstrations across key agricultural zones are currently underway. Satisfying the demand With an annual capacity of 100,000 tonnes, the plant meets Rwanda’s domestic demand while supporting regional exports. Equipped with advanced blending systems, a 25,000-tonne storage unit, and a modern laboratory for soil and fertiliser analysis, the facility also houses a pilot farm for continuous research, farmer training, and innovation transfer—reinforcing RFC’s role as a catalyst for agricultural advancement. Mortabit Marouane, Head of Commercial Activities East Africa, added: “Our journey towards fertiliser customisation is only the beginning. Through initiatives such as national soil fertility mapping, the GIS-based crop nutrient platform, and RFC’s integrated blending and research centre, OCP Africa and RFC will continue to advance Rwanda’s precision agriculture agenda, positioning RFC and Rwanda as a regional hub for innovation and productivity growth.” Innocent Ngayaberura, a farmer and agro-dealer from Nyagatare District, said they expect their produce to double thanks to the new fertiliser blends. “We were using fertilisers without considering specific soil characteristics. This was limiting production. We hope the yields will double with new fertilisers. As farmers, we always need increased yields,” he said. Florence Uwingabire, an agro-dealer from Kirehe District, said she supplies between 25 and 40 tonnes of fertiliser to farmers every planting season. “The soil was analysed to identify suitable fertilisers. The first fertiliser blend increased yields from between 15 and 18 tonnes per hectare to 20 and 25 tons,” she said. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), said the partnership with fertiliser producers could triple agricultural output. “Our scientists collaborated with Rwanda Fertilizer Company in research such as soil analysis and mapping, as well as identifying suitable fertilisers for every agro-ecological zone. Some fertiliser blends contain lime to combat acidity in areas such as the western region. RFC first produced customised fertiliser called Tweze two years ago. It performed,” he said, adding that trials are underway. The new fertiliser products, he added, will help boost yields on food basket sites. In agriculture, food basket sites typically refer to zones that are major producers of food. These sites have so far been mapped across 495,155 hectares from 13,379 locations. “We urge farmers to embrace the new fertiliser blends to increase yields for consumption and exports,” he added.

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Rwanda Fertilizer Company launches customised blends to boost yields