As Rwanda marks 30 years of liberation, the nation reflects on its remarkable progress across various sectors, particularly agriculture. The evolution of agricultural practices and the role of key players, like Western Seed Company Ltd, underscore the transformative journey towards a prosperous future. Agriculture is still the cornerstone of Rwanda’s economy, as 75 per cent of agricultural production is derived from smallholder farmers. This sector is vital, accounting for 62.3 per cent of total employment and involving a significant portion of the female workforce at 71 per cent, compared to 53 per cent for males. Recognising its significance, the Rwandan government has made agriculture a priority in its Vision 2050 national development strategy, aiming to shift from subsistence farming to a technology-driven commercial agriculture model. ALSO READ: Only 37% of farmers use quality seeds - Agric Minister Western Seed Company Ltd, headquartered in Kitale, Kenya, has played a big role in this transition. Established in 1986 and operational since 1997, Western Seed Company is a farming and agro-processing company with very well-established plant breeding, seed multiplication, processing, and marketing renowned for its high-quality organic and conventional seeds. The company’s reach extends beyond Kenya, with branches in Rwanda, and Tanzania, and a subsidiary in Zambia, all dedicated to producing, marketing, and stewarding hybrid maize seeds and other essential crops. Since 2018, Western Seed Company has been an important partner for Rwandan farmers, addressing the perennial issue of low yields among smallholder farmers. The company’s end-to-end maize seed research, breeding, and distribution program stands out as the only private initiative of its kind in East Africa. With a focus on producing disease-resistant (mostly fall armyworm), drought-tolerant, and quick-maturing hybrid maize seeds, Western Seed Company ensures that farmers across Rwanda’s diverse agro-ecological zones have access to high-quality seeds, and the country ceases the importation of maize to a larger extent. ALSO READ: Agric ministry rolls out plan to eliminate fake seeds by 2030 According to Jackson Kazoza, WSC’s agronomist, since the company’s inception five years ago, it has been extending its service to all parts of the country, however, the adoption of hybrid maize seeds in Eastern Province— mostly Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kirehe, Rwamagana and Ngoma districts—has been particularly notable. “Nyagatare comes first in maize production and serves as the base for seed breeding, multiplication, and processing, accounting for at least 70 per cent,” he said. Seed varieties, yielding solution The company’s robust disease resistance featured in their seed varieties has been a crucial factor in mitigating crop losses, further reinforcing farmer confidence since one can grow them in various geographical areas. Kazoza noted: “We have Haraka WH101 and Haraka WH301, which yield in just three months. We advise farmers to use these during agricultural season B, from March to June. However, they can also use them during season A [September to February] and have been successful in the southern part of the country, mainly in the Nyanza, Gisagara, Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, and small parts of Nyamagabe.” Other varieties include Aminika WH507, Aminika WH504, Aminika WH403, Aminika WH508 (which is new on the market), and Milima WH605. “Both varieties promise up to a 300 per cent increase in yield over traditional farm-saved seeds. For the aforementioned products, one can yield approximately 12 tonnes per hectare with good agronomist practices. However, for Haraka WH101 and Haraka WH301, the yield is from five to seven tonnes. This level of yield was not possible before with traditional farm-recycled seeds,” he explained. ALSO READ: 10 things to know about Rwanda's new seed strategy The impact of Western Seed Company is evident in the feedback from farmers who have witnessed substantial improvements in their yields and livelihoods. The company has established model farms, particularly in Nyagatare District, showcasing best practices and the potential of these hybrid seeds. These model farms serve as educational hubs, providing free customer care and free agricultural advice on optimal seed usage, ensuring that farmers maximize their output, according to Kazoza. He said: “Farmers have given positive feedback on our Maize Varieties. They claim that it yields high in quality and quantity. It’s resistant to pesticides, climate change, and other factors. This is because they compare it with other similar products. In their recommendations, they urge us not to change the product and to bring it closer to their areas. “So far, we have warehouses across all provinces, in the following districts Muhanga, Nyabihu, Kayonza, Bugesera, Huye, Nyamagabe, Gatsibo, and Kigali in the Special Economic Zone in Gasabo District. However, Additionally, we’re looking forward to setting up stores in other districts as the demand is recognisable, this will allow all farmers to access our products easily,” he added.
