Coffee farmers to start buying fertilizer with NAEB support
The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) has introduced a new policy aimed at boosting coffee production.
Starting from the 2026 A planting season, farmers will no longer receive free fertilizer but will purchase it, with the government subsidizing up to 50% of the cost.
This decision comes after farmers reported that the free fertilizer previously provided was insufficient for all their coffee trees. Each farmer received only 30–40% of the fertilizer needed, which affected overall productivity. NAEB explained that farmers will now purchase fertilizer through Tubura while continuing to receive government support for the cost.
In Gatsibo District, farmers have already registered and ordered the fertilizer they need. One farmer said, “Before, we received only small amounts, like 30 kilograms, which was not enough. Now I’ve ordered four bags, and I expect it will cover all my coffee without any loss.”
Havugimana Diogène added, “Now every tree will get the fertilizer it needs. Previously, the free supply was insufficient, but that is over. This is a huge benefit for farmers.”
Jean Léonard Sekanyange, Deputy Mayor of Gatsibo in charge of Economic Development, said that the decision was welcomed by farmers, who had requested it repeatedly. “Fertilizer will now be easily accessible and sufficient for all trees, which will increase yield per tree and per hectare,” he said.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, agricultural exports generated over $839.2 million (over 1.162 trillion Rwandan Francs) for Rwanda in 2023/2024. Coffee alone earned $78.71 million, while tea brought in $114.88 million.
From 2017/2018 to 2023/2024, agricultural and livestock exports generated over $4.1 billion (over 6.046 trillion Rwandan Francs), with coffee and tea remaining the top contributors to foreign earnings.
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