Production of paddy rice and Irish potatoes increased by 10.1 per cent and 5.7 per cent respectively in the agricultural season B of 2026 compared with the same season last year. Maize, bananas and beans also recorded higher output in the March-June season, according to the Seasonal Agricultural Survey relesed on Tuesday, September 22. ALSO READ: Local scientists develop high-yielding rice variety The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) said paddy rice production rose from 72,976 tonnes in Season B of 2025 to 80,325 tonnes in 2026, while Irish potato production increased from 314,093 tonnes to 331,963 tonnes. Maize production increased by about 4 per cent to 122,370 tonnes, while banana production rose from 1.17 million tonnes. ALSO READ: How farming seasons drive decisions in fields, offices Bean production also increased slightly, from 240,721 tonnes to 243,775 tonnes. However, production did not increase across all major crops. Cassava output declined by about 0.7 per cent to 846,963 tonnes, while sweet potato production fell by about 1.7 per cent to 641,667 tonnes. More land under agriculture The survey estimates Rwanda's total land area at 2.376 million hectares. About 59 per cent was used for agricultural purposes in Season B 2026. ALSO READ: More idle land needs tilling, says Ngirente Seasonal crops accounted for 1.022 million hectares, while permanent crops covered 526,000 hectares. Another 83,000 hectares was used as permanent pasture. Production gains came with different yields The changes in production were accompanied by differences in crop yields and harvested areas. Paddy rice recorded a rise in average yield from 4.1 tonnes per hectare in Season B of 2025 to 4.6 tonnes per hectare in 2026. Irish potato yield increased from 6.8 to 6.9 tonnes per hectare. Maize yield remained at 1.3 tonnes per hectare, while banana yield remained at 12.4 tonnes per hectare. For cassava, average yield declined from 14.4 tonnes per hectare to 14 tonnes per hectare. Sweet potato yield, however, increased from 8.1 to 8.2 tonnes per hectare even as total production declined. The figures show that changes in production were not determined by yield alone, as cultivated and harvested areas also varied across crops. Improved seed use remains limited The survey found that 20.9 per cent of farmers used improved seeds during Season B 2026. Usage was substantially higher among large-scale farmers, at 65 per cent, compared with 19.4 per cent among small-scale farmers. NGOs and private companies were the largest source of improved seeds, accounting for 35 per cent of farmers who obtained improved seeds, followed by agro-dealers at 33.4 per cent. The share of farmers using improved seeds was higher than the 18 per cent recorded in Season B of 2025. Fertiliser and pesticide use Organic fertiliser remained the most widely used agricultural input, with 81.3 per cent of farmers reporting its use in Season B 2026. Inorganic fertiliser was used by 57.5 per cent of farmers, including 56.7 per cent of small-scale farmers and 80.2 per cent of large-scale farmers. Among inorganic fertilisers, DAP accounted for 40 per cent of applications, followed by UREA at 35.5 per cent and NPK at 20.3 per cent. Pesticides were used by 39.1 per cent of farmers. Their use was reported by 37.7 per cent of small-scale farmers and 80 per cent of large-scale farmers. Rocket, Dithane and Cypermethrin were the most commonly used pesticides, accounting for 36.2 per cent, 23.1 per cent and 14.2 per cent of farmers using pesticides, respectively. Irrigation remains low Only 13.1 per cent of farmers practised irrigation during Season B 2026. The rate was 11.5 per cent among small-scale farmers and 56.2 per cent among large-scale farmers. Among farmers practising irrigation, 56.9 per cent used modern irrigation methods. Lakes and streams were the main water source, accounting for 42.4 per cent, followed by underground water at 30.3 per cent. Agroforestry was practised by 58 per cent of farmers, while only 1.8 per cent used mechanical equipment for agricultural activities. Most farmers use erosion control measures The survey found that 92.7 per cent of farmers reported using at least one measure to control soil erosion. However, only 78.2 per cent of plots were protected against erosion, leaving 21.8 per cent exposed. Ridges, mulching and cover plants were the most common measures, used on 44.5 per cent of plots. Measures considered more effective against severe erosion, such as progressive and radical terraces, were used on 20.9 per cent of plots.
