New Rice Varieties Challenge Long-Grain Imports: Officials Say

Rwanda is preparing to introduce three new rice varieties that could compete with popular long-grain imports like Basmati, according to offi...

Rwanda is preparing to introduce three new rice varieties that could compete with popular long-grain imports like Basmati, according to officials. ALSO READ: Govt set to increase rice farming by 2,000ha in 2025 The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) stated that the new varieties have cleared the national release commission, enabling their distribution to farmers in various regions. During a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Land, Agriculture, Livestock, and Environment on November 12, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) confirmed that the three new varieties are ready for distribution. Olivier Kamana, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, mentioned that the country aims to decrease reliance on imports and better match local production with consumer preferences for long-grain, aromatic rice. ALSO READ: How Rwanda has increased rice production and its commercialisation “We are bridging the gap between what consumers want and what we produce, which will improve the quality of locally grown rice and reduce import dependence,” Kamana told MPs. Solange Uwituze, the Acting Director General of RAB, noted that the variety called Buryohe will be officially launched during the 2026 agricultural season in the Bugarama plain in Rusizi District. Meanwhile, two other varieties, Teta 241 and Teta 242, are already being grown in Nyanza and Gisagara districts, she said. “Another promising variety, Agasaro, is still undergoing final trials and is expected to be added soon,” Uwituze said. She added that these new releases will complement other improved local varieties being tested in different wetlands based on soil and climate conditions. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s rice imports top $300m: Will local farmers cash in? Uwituze pointed out that among the newly approved varieties, one named Keza has already received official approval and will mainly be cultivated in the Bugarama wetlands. It yields between five and six tonnes per hectare under favorable conditions, she said. Similarly, the Teta varieties, currently grown in Cyiri, Nyiramageni, Mushaduka, and Mirayi, yield between three and five tonnes per hectare, representing a significant boost in local productivity,” she said. Developing a new rice variety, however, is a lengthy and detailed process. Uwituze explained that it takes between three and five years of rigorous testing before a seed is released for nationwide use. ALSO READ: 720 tonnes of rice imports seized over quality Kamana added that while the process may seem time-consuming, it ensures that each seed performs well under Rwanda's climate and meets both farmers' and consumers' expectations. Lawmakers praised the development of long-grain rice varieties, as most rice grown locally consists of short or medium-grain types, creating a gap between domestic supply and market demand. MP Speciose Ayinkamiye said the release of these new varieties will help bridge the gap in long-grain rice. “If Rwandans prefer long-grain aromatic rice, we must focus our efforts on producing what the market needs,” she said. “There's no reason to keep growing varieties that consumers don't want.” ALSO READ: Rwanda to increase rice plantations by 5,000 hectares Agriculture remains a vital sector in Rwanda's economy, contributing more than 25% to the national GDP, generating 37% of export revenues, and employing over 70% of the population. Kamana clarified that while the new varieties will be available nationwide, farmers will not be forced to adopt them. ALSO READ: Rwanda to export rice next year “Different varieties serve different market segments,” he said. “We know that premium consumers prefer Basmati, but other varieties remain important for affordability and food security.” In addition to introducing new varieties, the government is also working to strengthen the rice value chain. Alice Mukamugema, Director General of Agriculture Value Chain Management and Trade at the Ministry of Agriculture, said efforts are underway to modernize local processing facilities. ALSO READ: Rwanda to stop importing rice as gov't ponders reducing trade deficit “Last year, we conducted a benchmarking study and realized that many of our rice mills are outdated,” Mukamugema explained. “We have since partnered with 28 factories to upgrade processing lines so that locally produced rice can meet both domestic and export standards.” Uwituze added that Rwanda's rice is predominantly grown under irrigation, unlike in many countries where it is cultivated on hillsides. While this approach helps boost yields, it also increases production costs. “By focusing on adaptable, high-yield varieties, we aim to lower production costs and make Rwandan rice more competitive,” she said. In 2024, Rwanda produced about 142,000 tonnes of rice, a 6.2 per cent increase from the previous year. Rice imports rose by 21 per cent to about 509,000 tonnes over the same period, according to the Ministry of Trade. The country spent $317.2 million (approximately Rwf453.3 billion) on rice imports.

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