Rwanda targets 2,000 hectare rice expansion amid soaring import bill
The move comes in response to a sharp rise in rice imports and consumption
RWANDA – Rwanda is ramping up its efforts to bridge the widening gap between domestic rice production and national consumption with a plan to expand its rice cultivation area by 2,000 hectares in 2025.
The initiative, led by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB), will see the total area under rice cultivation increase from 35,167 hectares in 2024 to approximately 37,167 hectares by the end of this year.
The move comes in response to a sharp rise in rice imports and consumption. According to figures from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Rwanda imported 508,852 tonnes of rice in 2024, up 21 percent from 417,862 tonnes in 2023.
The cost of these imports surged by 32 percent, jumping from US$238.9 million in 2023 to US$317.2 million in 2024.
Despite this growth in imports, national demand continues to outstrip supply. Rice consumption in Rwanda rose to 596,938 tonnes in 2024, up from 504,649 tonnes the previous year.
Local production, however, managed to cover only 17 percent of this demand, down from 22 percent in 2023. In 2024, Rwandan farmers produced a total of 141,932 tonnes of rice, a 6.2 percent increase from the 133,628 tonnes harvested in 2023.
Speaking to The New Times, Innocent Ndikumana, a senior researcher at RAB, confirmed that the planned expansion would be carried out across four key districts: Gisagara, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, and Rusizi. The initiative aims to not only increase production but also introduce improved rice varieties capable of significantly boosting yields.
Among the new varieties awaiting certification is Keza, a medium-grain aromatic rice expected to yield up to six tonnes per hectare, potentially doubling or even tripling the output of the commonly grown Basmati variety, which yields just two to three tonnes per hectare.
“Keza is similar to some Tanzanian varieties and could prove a game-changer for our farmers,” said Ndikumana.
Also under review are two additional long-grain varieties, TETA 24-1 and TETA 24-2, which have shown the potential to produce between seven and eight tonnes per hectare. These are particularly suited for mid-altitude areas in the Southern and Eastern provinces, including districts such as Rwamagana, Kayonza, Gatsibo, and Nyagatare.
Ndikumana said the certification process is nearly complete, with approval expected this month. Once cleared by the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), farmers could begin planting the new seeds in July, when the next growing season begins.
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