(3 minutes read)
Rwanda envisions becoming a hub for high-quality crops in the region by 2030 with its new comprehensive agricultural strategy for crop diversification, The plan seeks to empower farmers, increase yields, and enhance food security.
Rwanda envisions becoming a hub for high-quality crops in the region by 2030 with its new comprehensive agricultural strategy for crop diversification, The plan seeks to empower farmers, increase yields, and enhance food security. National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), is an ambitious vision that aims to boost the agricultural sector, focusing on improving crop yields for staple foods and cash crops. The government, in collaboration with agricultural experts, is determined to ensure that Rwanda transitions into a thriving center for high-value crops.
The goal is to find ways to boost crop production, given the promising domestic and international markets Rwanda can tap into. It is important to ensure steady growth of the agricultural sector in the country, stated Innocent Ntamuhoranye, the head of the Association of Crop Traders and Exporters in Rwanda.
The plan includes the engagement of experts in the agricultural sector to address challenges such as disease control, crop quality, and increased crop yields. Prominent experts like John Muvara, leader of the Rwanda International Spices Company (RISCO), emphasize the need to tackle various challenges hindering crop quality and productivity. Often faced challenges include pests and diseases, which impact the quality and yield of the crops. Addressing these issues would significantly improve the knowledge of crop management. The support definitely will help in better understanding crop cultivation.
Dr. Patrick Karangwa, the Director-General of Crop Development and Agricultural Mechanization at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, emphasized the importance of the government’s role in achieving the plan’s goals. As seen in the first phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), the initiative aimed for at least 75% of farmers to use quality seeds. However, the objective is to work to surpass this goal. The idea is to encourage the widespread use of high-value crops, ensuring that all farmers have access to quality crops and expanding market opportunities.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/rwanda-develops-technology-solutions-to-help-small-farmers/
https://trendsnafrica.com/rwandan-smart-city-hub-100-smart-cities-by-2100/
https://trendsnafrica.com/rwanda-signs-contract-with-german-club-bayern-munich-to-promote-tourism/
Recent statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture show that a significant percentage of smallholder farmers use quality seeds, with 85.7% utilizing them, while hybrid seed adoption stands at 35.9%. The overall adoption of quality seeds in Rwanda’s agriculture is at 37.1%, and the government is committed to enhancing these numbers as it advances toward its 2030 vision.
