Rwanda : Government expands subsidies for fertilizers and certified seeds for the 2027A agricultural season
Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) has issued new regulations outlining the government’s subsidy framework for mineral fertilizers and certified seeds for the 2027A agricultural season, which commenced on 1 July 2026 and will run until 31 December 2026.
The revised policy is designed to further modernize the agricultural sector, enhance crop productivity, and improve farmers’ access to agricultural inputs at affordable, government-supported prices.
According to MINAGRI, the subsidy program will continue to benefit farmers cultivating strategic food and cash crops, including maize, beans, wheat, soybean, rice, Irish potatoes, cassava, bananas, and fruit trees. These priority crops were selected because of their critical contribution to national food security, agro-industrial development, and rural economic transformation.
To streamline the distribution of agricultural inputs, six companies have been authorized to supply subsidized fertilizers nationwide through accredited agro-dealers. These include YARA Rwanda Ltd, ETG Inputs Ltd, Rwanda Fertilizer Company (RFC Ltd), One Acre Fund (Tubura), Transtrade Africa Ltd, and Chiromo Fertilizers Ltd.
The subsidized fertilizer portfolio includes DAP (Diammonium Phosphate), Urea 46%, NPK 17-17-17, KCL/MOP (Potassium Chloride/Muriate of Potash), TSP (Triple Superphosphate), MAP (Monoammonium Phosphate), NPS, CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate), as well as several specialized NPK blended fertilizers formulated to suit different soil characteristics and crop nutrient requirements.
Under the subsidy scheme, the government will absorb a significant portion of the purchase price, enabling farmers to pay only a reduced amount. For instance, although one kilogram of DAP costs RWF 1,950, farmers will pay RWF 1,060, while the government will subsidize the remaining RWF 890.
Regarding certified seeds, 26 seed companies have been licensed to distribute subsidized planting materials across the country. These include Dern Seed Company, Western Seed Company, UNICOOPAGI, Rumbuka Seeds Ltd, One Acre Fund, TRI-SEEDS Ltd, Kenya Seed Co Rwanda Ltd, AGRISEEDS Ltd, DRD Agri Business Ltd, among others.
Maize growers will continue to receive subsidies on high-yield hybrid maize seed varieties, renowned for their superior productivity and resilience. Some hybrid seed varieties retail at RWF 2,585 per kilogram, yet farmers will purchase them for only RWF 785 after government support. Premium varieties priced at RWF 3,800 per kilogram will be available to farmers for RWF 2,000.
Soybean producers will also benefit from the subsidy program. Certified soybean seed will retail at RWF 855 per kilogram, while Quality Declared Seed (QDS) will be available at RWF 770 per kilogram, substantially lowering production costs for farmers.
The new directives underscore the Government of Rwanda’s continued commitment to agricultural transformation through increased adoption of high-quality agricultural inputs, with the overarching objective of boosting crop yields, strengthening domestic food availability, expanding agro-processing industries, and improving rural livelihoods.
MINAGRI has urged farmers to prepare early for the planting season by consulting agricultural extension officers and purchasing subsidized inputs from authorized agro-dealers. Farmers are also encouraged to adhere to recommended agronomic practices and fertilizer application guidelines to maximize productivity and achieve optimal harvests.
The Government remains confident that the enhanced subsidy programme will play a pivotal role in advancing commercial, climate-resilient, and sustainable agriculture, while reinforcing Rwanda’s long-term food security and agricultural competitiveness.
