Northern province pushes for increased seed potato production to cut prices and boost food Security
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde has urged stakeholders to intensify efforts in seed potato production to ensure food self-sufficiency and surplus for the market, following a 50% drop in seed potato prices within a year.
This was highlighted on May 15, 2025, during a training session for seed potato multipliers and other partners, where calls were made to strengthen seed production in order to lower the overall market price of potatoes.
During the training, Governor Mugabowagahunde praised the progress made in seed potato multiplication and encouraged those involved in the sector to seize the opportunities brought by their partners.
He stated: “It’s clear that efforts have been made in multiplying seed potatoes so that our province continues to be the country’s food basket. We commend our partner, Caritas of the Byumba Diocese, for providing training to farmers, supplying them with quality and market-demanded seeds, and for building infrastructure such as greenhouses and storage facilities that help preserve seed potatoes to prevent spoilage.”
The governor also commended Caritas Byumba Diocese and other partners for their role in the “Kungahara Projects,” which aim to combat malnutrition and boost the economy of the Northern Province through professional agriculture.
He concluded by calling on everyone to remain committed to seed multiplication, ensuring availability of potatoes for consumption and for the market.
“We can clearly see that we are making commendable progress. Let’s all work together diligently — this will help reduce potato prices in the market, achieve food self-sufficiency, combat malnutrition, and provide surplus for those in need,” he added.
Seed potato multipliers reported that in 2024, a kilogram of seed potatoes cost RWF 1,700, but now high-quality and market-preferred seed potatoes are available for only RWF 900.
Nzamwitakuze Thelese, representative of the Kowahiru Cooperative based in Bushoki Sector, Rurindo District, said: “Last year, the seed potatoes we planted were sold for RWF 1,700 per kilo, but after harvesting, no farmer is complaining about prices anymore because they can now access seeds at only RWF 900.”
“They trained us on how to multiply potatoes, built modern storage facilities for us, and we’re now producing high-demand varieties such as Kinigi, Ndamira, Cyerekezo, and Carolis ,which are well-processed and harvested quickly, in just 2.5 to 4 months,” she added.
Nzamanza Leon Paul, head of the Komixibu Cooperative in Kisaro Sector, Rurindo District, said one hectare currently yields about 15 tons of seed potatoes. They are cultivating 12 hectares with the aim of boosting the Northern Province’s economy and supplying markets.
Fr. Augustin Nzabonimana , Director of Caritas Byumba Diocese, noted that the two-day training was organized to explore strategies to ensure the availability of potatoes on the market and reduce recurring price hikes, especially to help farmers better prepare and to combat malnutrition and stunting in children caused by unbalanced diets.
The two-day training held in Gicumbi District was organized by Caritas Byumba Diocese and brought together various stakeholders and seed potato producers to find sustainable solutions to seed potato shortages.
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