Scientists at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) have developed a new high-yielding rice variety that is soon to be released, officials have announced.

According to Florence Uwamahoro, Deputy Director General for Agriculture Development at RAB, the new variety, locally named "Keza," has demonstrated impressive yields of 5 tonnes per hectare during its final trial phase.

"We have a number of aromatic varieties selected and tested by our national breeders in the Bugarama plain," Uwamahoro disclosed. "One of them, 'Keza,' to be released officially, exhibits high yields, reaching 5 tonnes per hectare."

ALSO READ: Rwanda to increase rice plantations by 5,000 hectares

Rice variety trials are a rigorous process, typically spanning three to five years. The release of "Keza" is expected to significantly boost local rice production compared to existing varieties.

For instance, the popular Basmati 370 typically yields between 2.5 and 3 tonnes per hectare, according to her.

Currently, RAB has released and maintains approximately 20 rice varieties cultivated across the country, including six long-grain varieties and others with medium or short grains.

"The breeding program aims to develop high-yielding, marketable rice varieties that are adaptable to diverse climatic conditions and resistant to major pests and diseases," Uwamahoro added. "Rice field trials are conducted nationwide."

Demand for new productive varieties

Ernest Mfashingabo, a local rice farmer and breeder in Cyarukara Cell, Muganza Sector, Rusizi District, emphasised the urgent need for access to improved rice varieties to enhance productivity in the Bugarama wetland.

"I began breeding in 2023," Mfashingabo explained. "However, I understand that when a rice variety is cultivated for an extended period without improvement or replacement, it becomes less adaptable to the climate and more vulnerable to pests and diseases."

Rusizi District is a leading rice producer in Rwanda due to the Bugarama swampland, a region known for its hot climate, favourable for rice cultivation.

"Long-grain rice varieties that have been cultivated for many years lose their resilience to climate change and diseases," Mfashingabo stated.

"We strongly advocate for new varieties that can yield at least 800 kilograms per block (a common land measurement unit used by local farmers) to increase national rice production."

ALSO: Over 3,000 tonnes of rice get long-awaited buyers in Rusizii

Seth Ntihemuka, a farmer in Bweramana, Ruhango District, echoed similar sentiments:

"The government should prioritise access to more improved, high-quality rice varieties. Additionally, more rice wetlands need to be prepared for cultivation. Many swamps, including ours, have been severely impacted by heavy rainfall."

Increased rice production

According to the Seasonal Agricultural Survey for 2023-2024 conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), paddy rice production increased to 72,834 metric tonnes in Season B of 2024 from 69,098 metric tonnes in Season B of 2023.

In Season A of 2024, the average paddy rice yield was 4.1 tonnes per hectare, with small-scale farmers producing 2.6 tonnes per hectare and large-scale farmers harvesting 4.1 tonnes per hectare. In Season B 2024, small-scale farmers harvested 3.1 tonnes per hectare, while large-scale farmers harvested 4.2 tonnes per hectare.