RUSAGARA MUVUNANKIKO Valens
Rwanda has stepped up preparations for the 2027A agricultural season, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) calling for coordinated efforts among farmers, local authorities, agricultural extension services and input suppliers to ensure timely implementation of the season’s activities.
According to a message issued by MINAGRI on August 8, 2026, the 2027A season, covering August to December 2026, is particularly important for national food security. The ministry says the season contributes at least 70 percent of annual maize production, 54 percent of potato production, 49 percent of rice production and 47 percent of bean production, compared with the corresponding figures from the second agricultural season.
The ministry has identified increasing productivity per hectare for selected food crops and boosting the production of export crops as key objectives for the season. It also plans to strengthen measures aimed at reducing the impact of climate change on agriculture.
MINAGRI said global weather forecasts indicate that the season could experience heavy rainfall associated with El Niño conditions and increased temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. The ministry is therefore urging farmers and stakeholders to prepare for potential climate-related risks while maximizing opportunities for higher production.
Among the priorities is increasing cultivated land through coordinated production of crops suited to different areas, with particular attention to Food Basket sites, commonly referred to as FOBASI. The ministry is also calling for all available arable land including hillsides, wetlands and their surroundings, valleys and other agricultural areas to be effectively utilized.
MINAGRI further wants farmers in designated FOBASI sites to achieve the full production potential of their land through greater use of improved seeds, recommended amounts of inorganic fertilizers and lime in acidic soils under the Nkunganire programme. The ministry is also encouraging increased use of organic manure.
Conservation agriculture is another major priority for the season. According to MINAGRI, the approach can contribute to increased productivity, reduced soil erosion and improved farmer profitability. Farmers in areas that frequently experience drought are also being encouraged to adopt farming practices and crops that are better suited to such conditions.
The ministry is also calling for accelerated soil and water conservation measures, including the construction of erosion-control structures and water-harvesting pits, planting grasses and agroforestry trees on contours, and clearing drainage channels in wetlands and irrigation areas. These measures are intended to reduce the risks associated with the expected heavy rains.
Farmers and livestock keepers are further being encouraged to participate in subsidized agricultural and livestock insurance schemes as a way of protecting themselves against losses linked to climate change. MINAGRI also emphasizes the need to maintain perennial crops such as bananas and coffee through proper fertilization, mulching and other recommended agronomic practices.
Regular monitoring of crops and early control of pests and diseases are also among the ministry’s recommendations. Farmers are being encouraged to prepare early for harvesting, proper post-harvest handling and market access, including establishing agreements with buyers before harvest.
To ensure timely implementation, MINAGRI has set a series of deadlines. Registration of farmers in the Smart Nkunganire System, with a particular focus on FOBASI sites, is expected to be completed by August 20, 2026. The distribution of improved seeds, fertilizers, lime and organic manure to farmers is expected to be completed by August 31.
Preparatory meetings at provincial, district and sector levels are also expected to be held by August 20, while land preparation, planting and the official launch of agricultural activities in designated FOBASI sites are planned for August and September. Monitoring of FOBASI and conservation agriculture activities will take place during August and September.
The ministry has also scheduled intensified erosion control and drainage-channel clearing from August to October 2026, followed by crop monitoring and maintenance from September through December. Banana rehabilitation is also planned during the same period, while preparations for harvesting, post-harvest management and market access will run from October to December.
MINAGRI is calling on a broad range of stakeholders including farmers and livestock keepers, local authorities, agro-input dealers, seed and fertilizer companies, non-governmental organizations, development projects, farmer organizations, youth companies, agronomists, farmer promoters and the media to work together in implementing the planned measures.
“Cooperation” and coordinated action will be central to the success of the 2027A season, as the government seeks to translate improved access to agricultural inputs, better farming practices and climate-resilient measures into higher productivity and stronger food security.
