Rwanda increases agriculture and livestock budget for 2025/2026 to boost production
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) has announced an increase in the national budget allocated to agriculture and livestock activities for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. The allocation has risen from RWF 222.3 billion to RWF 236.3 billion.
This was revealed by State Minister for Public Finance, Kabera Godefrey, while presenting the draft national budget law to the Parliamentary Committee on National Budget and State Assets.
Kabera disclosed that the total national budget for 2025/2026 will amount to RWF 7,032.5 billion, reflecting a 21% increase compared to the revised 2024/2025 budget of RWF 5,816.4 billion.
Among the top priorities to receive increased funding are agriculture and livestock, with an additional RWF 14 billion allocated compared to the preliminary figures. Kabera emphasized that the investment aims to enhance food security and increase productivity.
Key focus areas include timely distribution of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and quality seeds, and strengthening local seed multiplication systems for staple crops such as maize, rice, cassava, soybeans, wheat, potatoes, and beans.
The government also plans to expand irrigation coverage, build infrastructure for post-harvest handling—such as drying shelters and storage facilities for cereals and legumes—and invest in livestock productivity through improved animal health services, the purchase of high-yield breeding bulls, and distribution of small livestock. Equipment for milk collection centers will also be provided or rehabilitated.
Other initiatives include replacing old coffee trees to boost yields, expanding tea plantations, and promoting the export of high-value crops like vegetables, fruits, and flowers. The agricultural insurance scheme will also be scaled up, and efforts will be made to improve farmers’ access to financial services, including credit.
In response to Parliament’s earlier suggestions, the government has set aside RWF 55 billion for agricultural inputs alone. This includes RWF 39 billion for fertilizers, RWF 9 billion for seeds, and additional funding for livestock medicine and vaccines.
Support for vulnerable groups has also been increased, with the budget rising from RWF 92.8 billion to RWF 105 billion. Furthermore, funds have been allocated for the renovation of genocide memorial sites in Mwulire, Mutete, and Mukarange.
Odette Uwamariya, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on National Budget and State Assets, welcomed the government’s responsiveness to Parliament’s recommendations, stressing the importance of continued investment in economic growth and citizens’ well-being.
