Government encourages farmers to embrace Lime subsidy and prepare for 2026 A season
The Government of Rwanda, through the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), has called on farmers to prepare adequately for the upcoming 2026 A agricultural season, urging them to make full use of lime subsidies recently extended to more districts across the country.
Farmers in newly added districts, including Rulindo, have welcomed the move, saying it will significantly reduce costs and enable them to improve productivity.
One farmer from Rulindo noted that lime, which was previously too costly for some, is now affordable due to government support:
“Lime is available through our cooperative, but before, its high cost kept many farmers from accessing it. Now that the price has been lowered to 60 (per unit), every farmer can use it effectively.”
Another farmer added that the subsidy comes as a timely relief:
“This is good news for us. While we have previously benefited from subsidies on maize seeds and fertilizers, lime remained expensive. We thank the government and encourage farmers to use lime, knowing that the government is supporting part of the cost.”
According to Dr. Florence Uwamahoro, Deputy Director General of RAB, lime is a crucial input for enhancing soil fertility as it reduces acidity and allows other fertilizers to work effectively.
“Research on Rwanda’s soils showed high acidity levels in certain areas, which limit the effectiveness of fertilizers. That is why the lime subsidy program has been expanded,” she explained.
Following the findings, 11 new districts were added to the program: Muhanga, Ngoma, Kayonza, Kirehe, Huye, Gisagara, Ruhango, Nyabihu, Burera, Musanze, and Rulindo. While not all parts of these districts are affected, specific areas have been identified with high soil acidity that requires treatment.
Dr. Uwamahoro advised farmers to act early:”Our first message is for farmers to prepare their land immediately. Recent rains have softened the soils, and proper preparation will ensure high productivity. Secondly, to access the subsidies, farmers must register under the Smart Nkunganire system. Many have already registered, but we urge those who haven’t to do so quickly so that agro-dealers can supply enough inputs on time.”
To support this effort, 17 large-scale storage facilities and about 2,500 smaller depots for agricultural inputs have been established countrywide.
In areas with acidic soils, the recommended application is 1.5 tons of lime per hectare for strongly acidic soils and 0.5 tons per hectare for moderately acidic soils.
With the government subsidy in place and proper land preparation, farmers are expected to achieve higher yields in the 2026 A season.