Maize production was estimated at 481,246 metric tons, a 5% decrease compared to Season A of 2024. The area cultivated also declined slightly to 244,095 hectares, down by 2%. Similarly, beans were grown on 327,147 hectares, a 0.6% decrease, resulting in a total production of 230,456 metric tons, which is 1% lower than the previous year.
In contrast, Irish potato output rose by 3%, reaching 475,785 metric tons, with a stable cultivated area of 54,485 hectares. Cassava production increased by 5% to 542,874 metric tons, despite a small drop in cultivated area. Both crops also recorded higher yields compared to cereals and pulses, 13.5 tons per hectare for cassava and 8.7 tons per hectare for Irish potatoes.
While the report does not offer direct explanations for changes in crop performance, it highlights significant differences in yields between small-scale and large-scale farmers. For instance, large-scale maize producers harvested an average of 4.1 tons per hectare, more than double the 1.9 tons recorded by smallholders. Similar yield gaps were observed across other major crops, suggesting structural differences in productivity that may help explain broader production trends.
Input use varied across the farming population. Only 37.3% of farmers used improved seeds, and 63.2% applied inorganic fertilisers. The report notes that the use of inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides, and irrigation systems was much more common among large-scale farmers, contributing to their higher productivity.
Overall, agricultural land use remained stable, with 59% of Rwanda's total land area dedicated to agriculture. Seasonal crops occupied the majority, followed by permanent crops and pasture. The Eastern and Northern provinces continued to lead in production of maize, cassava, and Irish potatoes.
The SAS 2025A report provides detailed crop estimates, input usage rates, and land use trends to support data-driven planning and policy decisions in Rwanda's agriculture sector.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
