Prime Minister urges farmers to maximize use of agricultural land

By The Inspirer.

Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has called on farmers to make full use of available land in marshlands and hillsides to boost agricultural output.

He delivered the message on Monday, September 22, 2025, in Nyaruguru District, where he joined residents to launch the first planting season of 2026. He was accompanied by three cabinet ministers.

Dr. Nsengiyumva said Rwanda’s recent efforts to rehabilitate farmland have already shown results, with maize yields reaching five tonnes per hectare and potatoes up to 25 tonnes per hectare.

“In most areas that have been developed, yields per hectare have doubled,” he said, adding that agronomists will be tasked to strengthen support for farmers to ensure continued growth.

Local farmer Banzubaze Ferdinand welcomed government efforts to provide lime for acidic soils, which had previously reduced productivity. “Now we harvest enough. Unlike before, when we had to buy food from other districts, today trucks arrive one after another to collect our maize, tea, and potatoes,” he said.

Nyaruguru District Mayor Emmanuel Murwanashyaka praised President Paul Kagame for prioritizing soil improvement in the area. He noted that farmers now produce enough maize and potatoes to supply both households and markets.

After launching the season, the Prime Minister toured Mata Tea Factory. His delegation—including Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Minister of State for Infrastructure Jean de Dieu Uwihoreye, and the Governor of Southern Province—was also expected to visit Sovu industrial park and other projects in Huye.