Rwanda’s US$10M biotechnology program to increase crop productivity and food security

Launched on October 11, 2024, by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) in partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), the program focuses on cassava, maize, and potatoes. With an investment of $10 million, the scheme is expected to provide farmers with access to high-yield crops, helping them combat significant challenges such as pests and diseases that have affected agricultural productivity. This biotechnology-driven initiative aims to address common agricultural threats like the fall armyworm in maize, brown streak disease in cassava, and late blight in potatoes, all of which have severely impacted yields in Rwanda. By leveraging modern technologies, the program promises to introduce crops that are not only resilient to these threats but also adaptable to the changing climate, ultimately benefiting the livelihoods of farmers. Also read: Battery-powered agricultural machinery transforming sustainable farming future ...