Rwanda to roll out disease-resistant potato seed as trials show triple yields

By Elias Hakizimana.

Rwanda is preparing to release a new disease-resistant potato seed variety that does not require routine fungicide spraying, following successful field trials that recorded yields up to three times higher than conventional varieties.

The new seed is resistant to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), locally known as indwara y’imvura—the most destructive potato disease in Rwanda. Currently, farmers are required to spray fungicides at least twice a week throughout the growing season to control the disease, significantly increasing production costs.

According to Dr Patrick Karangwa, Director General in charge of Agriculture Transformation at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), research on the new seed has reached an advanced stage, with trials conducted under normal farming conditions.

“In our recent trials, plots planted with the improved seed produced between 34 and 36 tonnes per hectare without any fungicide, while conventional varieties grown under the same conditions yielded only 2–3 tonnes per hectare,” Dr Karangwa said. “Both fields were located in the same area and had similar characteristics.”

Under normal production, potato varieties currently grown across Rwanda yield an average of 8–9 tonnes per hectare, meaning the new seed could potentially triple national potato productivity once released.

Dr Karangwa noted that although farmers are already eager to access the seed, further testing is ongoing to confirm consistent performance across different agro-ecological zones and planting seasons.

“We must ensure the seed performs equally well in the Northern, Southern and other regions, and across different seasons, before officially releasing it to farmers,” he said.

Release through existing seed system

Dr Athanase Nduwumuremyi, a researcher at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), said the seed will be distributed through certified seed multipliers once research is completed.

“The seed will reach farmers through the same system used for other varieties,” he said. “Importantly, it will be sold at the same price as existing potato seed and will mature within the same period—about three to three and a half months.”

He added that the new variety will significantly reduce production costs, allowing farmers to invest less while harvesting more.

High yields recorded in multiple districts

On February 6, 2026, harvest demonstrations for the improved Victoria and Kungahara potato varieties were conducted in Musanze District, where yields of up to 35 tonnes per hectare were recorded without fungicide use.

Similar trials were carried out at RAB research stations in Tamira (Rubavu District), Nyamagabe and Rwerere (Burera District), all of which reported consistently high yields.

Félicien Semarembo, a certified seed multiplier from Burera District who attended the Musanze harvest, said the results could revive varieties previously abandoned by farmers.

“I stopped growing Victoria potatoes because they had become highly susceptible to disease and low-yielding,” he said. “Seeing them perform this well again, without spraying, is very encouraging.”

Beyond potatoes, researchers say significant progress is also being made in developing improved varieties of other key staple crops, including beans and maize, as Rwanda continues to invest in climate-resilient and cost-effective agricultural technologies.