Rwanda's potato sector has undergone significant transformation through collaborative efforts between the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), the International Potato Center (CIP), and the USAID-funded Great Lakes Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I GLR). This partnership has led to the release of 11 new potato varieties, the first in nearly three decades, aiming to improve yields and resilience against pests and diseases.
Before these new varieties were introduced, Rwanda's potato sector relied heavily on older varieties like Kinigi and Nyirakabondo, which were susceptible to pests and had low yields. However, farmers were initially resistant to adopting the new varieties due to limited information and access to clean seeds. To address this, AID-I GLR employed various approaches, such as on-farm demo plots and farmer field days, to showcase the benefits of the new varieties.
The introduction of these varieties comes at a crucial time, as Rwandan farmers face challenges related to climate change and food security. The new varieties, such as Cyerecyezo, Gisubizo, and Kazeneza, are bred for high yields, pest resistance, and adaptability to different climates. Many farmers in Musanze district have already seen positive results, with improved growth and yields. Irene Uwimana, who manages a demo plot, reports that farmers are increasingly interested in purchasing seeds from her upcoming harvest.
To ensure widespread adoption, AID-I GLR has worked to enhance seed production capacity by increasing the supply of quality early-generation seeds (EGS) and providing training for seed multipliers, agronomists, and agricultural extension officers. The demand for these new varieties has surged, with Cyerecyezo alone accounting for 31.3% of the total demand for new varieties. This is a significant increase from two years ago when the demand for new varieties was less than 10%.
The new varieties, especially Cyerecyezo, are considered climate-smart due to their high yield, short maturation period, drought tolerance, and large, attractive tubers. These characteristics make them ideal for both household food security and long-distance markets. RAB and CIP are also exploring advanced seed multiplication technologies, such as aeroponics and rooted apical cutting (RAC), which allow for faster and more efficient seed production.
Rwanda's potato sector continues to benefit from ongoing support and collaboration, which has the potential to improve food security, boost productivity, and reduce poverty. The adoption of these high-yielding potato varieties promises a bright future for Rwanda's farmers and agricultural industry. With continued investment and innovation, the sector is poised for sustainable growth, making a significant contribution to the country's food security and economic development.
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For more information:
CIP
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