The announcement was made by Godfrey Kabera, the Minister of State for National Treasury in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning for State Finance, during a presentation to the parliamentary Committee on State Budget and patrimony.
He revealed that the total national budget for 2025/2026 will be Frw 7,032.5 billion, marking a 21% increase compared to the revised budget of Frw 5.816.4 billion for 2024/25.
Kabera emphasized that the boost in agricultural funding was a direct result of feedback from members of parliament during their review of the budget proposal in May 2025.
The additional funding will focus on increasing agricultural and livestock productivity.
Key initiatives will include the timely distribution of fertilizers and certified seeds, as well as supporting the seed multiplication for essential crops such as maize, wheat, soybeans, potatoes, rice, cassava, and beans.
Special attention will also be given to the cultivation of drought-resistant crops and the expansion of irrigation systems.
Furthermore, there will be a focus on improving post-harvest infrastructure, including storage facilities and silos, to help preserve the harvested produce.
Livestock production will also be prioritized, with investments in livestock health, including purchasing breeding cattle, providing vaccines, and renovating milk collection centers.
Kabera further explained that the budget will support efforts to rejuvenate aging coffee trees and expand tea cultivation.
Rwanda will also focus on boosting exports of agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers to increase yields in these sectors.
Additionally, the government will expand crop and livestock insurance and increase access to financial services for farmers through loans.
The budget for agricultural inputs, including fertilizers and seeds, has been increased to Frw 55 billion, with Frw 39 billion allocated specifically for fertilizers, Frw 9 billion for seeds, and additional funds allocated for veterinary medicines and vaccines.
A significant increase has also been made in the budget for social support for vulnerable groups, which will rise from Frw 92.8 billion to Frw 105 billion.
The government will also allocate funds for the renovation of memorial sites, such as Mwulire, Mutete, and Mukarange memorials.
MP Odette Uwamariya, the chairperson of the parliamentary Committee on State Budget and patrimony, commended the government for valuing the input of parliamentarians and stressed the importance of continuing efforts to promote economic growth and development across the country.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/key-priorities-in-rwanda-s-new-agricultural-budget-for-2025-2026
