Preparations for Rwanda’s 2026A planting season are well underway, with 74.6% of farmland prepared and 15.6% already planted, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) said Tuesday. Authorities are urging farmers to accelerate planting as rainfall has begun across the country.
Dr. Florence Uwamahoro, Deputy Director General in charge of Agriculture at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), said soil preparation, fertilizer distribution, and planting activities are progressing steadily.
“We are currently focused on soil preparation and planting, as well as purchasing fertilizers. Land preparation has reached 74.6%, while planting is at 15.6%, with seeds already in the ground,” Dr. Uwamahoro said.
Key crops for the season include maize on more than 277,000 hectares, sweet potatoes on 60,000 hectares, rice on 15,000 hectares, and soybeans on 5,700 hectares. Land preparation for some crops has reached 85.5%.
Dr. Uwamahoro urged farmers to prioritize marshlands and consolidated plots, which are high-yield areas, and to clear water channels and prevent soil erosion.
Weather forecasts from Meteo Rwanda indicate that rainfall, which started on Sept. 8, will continue through the season. Northern and Southern provinces are expected to receive 80–110 millimeters, while Central and Eastern regions may see 60–80 millimeters — creating ideal conditions for planting.
Mutesi, a farmer in Nyagatare District, said, “The rain has fallen, the soil is wet, and we have started planting seeds. I am currently planting potatoes.”
Rwanda aims to increase cultivated land by 3% this season as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity and food security. MINAGRI and RAB are mobilizing farmers to access quality seeds, fertilizers, and crop insurance to reduce risks from floods or droughts.
“Using improved seeds and fertilizers and insuring crops are essential steps for increasing productivity and mitigating climate-related risks,” Dr. Uwamahoro said.
Authorities stress that timely planting and proper land management will be crucial for achieving high yields and supporting Rwanda’s food security goals.
