Rwanda achieves over 400% surge in maize harvest in 2024

RWANDA – Rwanda harvested 29,510 tons of maize in 2024, a staggering 405.51% increase from 5,837 tons in 2023, according to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources.

This growth far exceeded initial projections and marked a significant milestone, reflecting the success of government-led agricultural reforms. Maize storage facilities located in Nyagatare, Nyabihu, Bugesera, Nyanza, and Nyamagabe districts are playing a crucial role in ensuring better post-harvest management.

The Ministry reported that maize production for the first quarter of 2024 reached 507,985 tons, a 30% increase from 390,879 tons in the same period in 2023. Current maize reserves are estimated to sustain the population for three months, underlining the country’s improved food security.

This exceptional growth in maize production is attributed to several key initiatives. Rwanda has developed over 1,031,282 hectares of terraces to combat soil erosion and reduce land degradation. Modern irrigation systems have been introduced, covering 37,273 hectares near rivers and lakes and 26,201 hectares on hilly terrains, reducing dependence on unpredictable rainfall.

However, the Ministry’s targets under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), which ends in 2024, have not been fully met. The plan aimed to store 140,980 tons of maize and 69,917 tons of beans.

Despite the bumper maize harvest, only 29,510 tons of maize and 7,281 tons of beans are currently in reserves, falling short of the targets.

Unpredictable weather patterns have been a significant challenge. In 2023, heavy rains destroyed mature crops, including cereals and legumes, while an early dry season affected the remaining yields.

Key agricultural regions, including the Eastern and Southern provinces, suffered the most significant losses, with staple crops like maize and beans, critical for household food security, being the hardest hit.

Despite setbacks in staple crops, export-oriented agriculture thrived. The sector generated $839.2 million in the 2023/2024 fiscal year. Coffee exports earned US$78.71 million, while tea brought in US$114.88 million, becoming the leading foreign exchange earner due to its year-round harvestability.

Agriculture accounted for 27% of Rwanda’s GDP in 2023/2024, with modernization efforts driving growth. Mechanization, improved irrigation systems, and a shift from traditional farming methods have enhanced the sector’s efficiency and productivity.

Additionally, Rwanda, in collaboration with the World Bank, has initiated a US$300 million project aimed at commercializing and de-risking the agriculture sector. The project seeks to increase the use of irrigation and commercialization among producers and agribusiness firms across the country, further strengthening the sector’s resilience.

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