Only half of Rwandan farmers use quality seeds as government moves to scale up production

By Prince Boris Cyubahiro.

Only 50 percent of Rwanda’s smallholder farmers currently use certified, high-yield seeds, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) has revealed, prompting a renewed government push to rapidly expand seed production and position the country as a regional supplier.

The disclosure was made on Thursday, January 15, 2026, by Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr. Télèsphore Ndabamenye during the launch of a seven-year partnership bringing together seed producers, banks, pension funds, and state institutions to strengthen Rwanda’s quality seed value chain.

The initiative, led by the National Seed Producers Association of Rwanda (NSAR), was unveiled as the association marked 10 years of operation.

“Research has been done and improved seed varieties are available, but the challenge remains scale,” Dr. Ndabamenye said, noting that production volumes must increase to reach more farmers and support exports.

The minister said the government has set an ambitious target to ensure all farmers access quality seeds within the next five years, warning that the current 50 percent coverage is insufficient to achieve national food security and productivity goals.

“We want quality seed use to reach 100 percent nationally. That requires strong coordination with private seed multipliers to ensure seeds are available on time, in adequate quantities, and with the right inputs,” he said.

Beyond domestic supply, the strategy also aims to unlock export opportunities, with Rwanda seeking to become a regional hub for quality seeds through increased private sector investment.

Key partners in the new framework include Bank of Kigali, the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), and the Rwanda Inspectorate for Competition and Consumer Protection (RICA), which will support financing, regulation, and market oversight.

Dr. Ndabamenye said the seven-year collaboration will focus on building critical infrastructure, improving access to finance, and professionalizing seed production to meet both national and international standards.

NSAR Chief Executive Officer Innocent Namuhoranye said the partnership removes major financing barriers for seed producers, allowing banks to fund projects based on their scale and commercial viability.

“There is now a clear, long-term investment plan. If a seed producer needs financing to expand, banks are ready to step in under agreed conditions,” Namuhoranye said.

Rwanda currently has about 30 registered seed-producing companies and cooperatives, which the government sees as central to transforming agriculture through improved yields, climate resilience, and stronger farmer incomes.