[Featured]: Rumbuka Seeds Ltd Driving Agricultural Solutions in Rwanda Through Seed Intensification

Elias Hakizimana.

Rumbuka Seeds Ltd, a prominent player in the agricultural sector, is making significant strides in advancing Rwanda’s agriculture through seed intensification. The company specializes in the multiplication of hybrid maize seeds and other crops, processing and supplying seeds, providing technical assistance, and conducting agro-dealer training.

The main objective of Rumbuka Seeds Ltd is to support the Rwandan government’s plans for the widespread distribution of sufficient hybrid maize seeds to farmers across the country.

The company aims to address farming challenges in Rwanda, particularly the scarcity of seeds suitable for the local weather conditions. Fraterne Kamali, the CEO of Rumbuka Seeds Ltd, emphasizes the importance of collaboration with entities like the Western Seeds Company in Kenya to enhance seed multiplication and distribution efforts.

With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, and 26 African countries expecting a doubling of their populations, there is a heightened demand for food. This surge in demand is exacerbated by the limited availability of arable land and the adverse effects of climate change on agricultural production.

Local Impact and Government Support

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) in Rwanda anticipates an agricultural produce yield of 800,000 tons in the eastern province alone during the 2024-A season. Seed multiplication in Rwanda gained momentum following the 15th government retreat in 2018, with the 8th recommendation encouraging the practice. By 2022, Rwanda achieved self-reliance, producing 100 percent of locally multiplied seeds and eliminating the need for imports.

Challenges and Solutions

While acknowledging the baseline survey indicating a need for quality seeds, Kamali affirms Rumbuka Seeds Ltd’s contribution, producing 35 to 40 percent of the overall used maize seeds nationwide. The company focuses on hybrid seeds, highlighting their potential to provide higher yields per hectare compared to traditional open-pollinated varieties. Kamali emphasizes the importance of embracing hybrid seeds to enhance agricultural production and alleviate food insecurity.

“In our pursuit of sustainability and self-sufficiency, it is imperative that we generate an ample food supply to nourish our population and meet the demands of our factories and markets. Our livestock, a vital component of our agricultural ecosystem, relies on processed feeds for sustenance, with maize constituting a significant 80 percent of the animal feed ingredients in our industrial facilities. Recognizing the pivotal role maize plays, we advocate for the widespread adoption of hybrid seeds to elevate our overall agricultural output.

A compelling illustration of the transformative impact of hybrid seeds is evident in Kayonza district, where farmers have achieved an impressive yield of 9 tons of hybrid maize per hectare. This success story serves as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the potential of embracing hybrid cultivation practices to alleviate the burdens of food insecurity. Through this encouragement, we aim to empower and guide our farmers toward the adoption of hybrid seeds, fostering a resilient and prosperous agricultural landscape for the benefit of our nation.” Frank Kamali, CEO of Rumbuka Seeds Ltd, conveyed this message during a recent broadcast on a local television program.

Kamali praises the efforts of Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources in achieving the production of standardized maize hybrid seeds. Rumbuka Seeds Ltd collaborates with RAB to multiply six varieties of maize, and after rigorous efforts from 2017 to 2020, the seeds released since 2021 are recognized for their disease resistance and adaptability to climate change.

Rumbuka Seeds Ltd emerges as a key player in Rwanda’s agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to seed intensification efforts. With a focus on hybrid seeds, the company aims to bolster food production, aligning with the government’s vision for sustainable agriculture. The collaboration with external partners and the commitment to seed standardization underscore Rumbuka Seeds Ltd’s pivotal role in advancing Rwanda’s agricultural sector.

   Rumbuka Seeds Ltd collaborates with RAB to multiply six varieties of maize seeds.

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