PM Nsengiyumva pledges support for Nasho irrigation farmers #rwanda #RwOT

During a visit to Kirehe District on August 8, 2025, the Prime Minister toured the Nasho irrigation project, which covers the Nasho and Mpanga sectors.

The project was launched in 2015 by businessman Howard G. Buffett and officially inaugurated by President Kagame in 2020. With an investment of $54 million, the initiative aims to help local farmers cultivate crops despite frequent droughts.

A 3.3-megawatt solar power system was installed to operate irrigation pumps, and 144 houses were built to provide better living conditions for farming families.

The Nasho Irrigation Cooperative (NAICO) has 2,099 members farming 1,173 hectares with 63 rotating irrigation machines.

NAICO Chairman Christophe Rwisumbura explained that before irrigation, crop yields were low due to harsh sun and drought. The cooperative members used to plant small amounts of corn and beans, and soybeans were not cultivated.

'Now, with irrigation, farmers consolidate their land, receive expert advice, use improved seeds, and achieve higher yields,' said Rwisumbura.

He noted that yields have increased to over six tons per hectare for some crops, with 2.5 tons per hectare for soybeans. Farmers have also started growing pigeon peas and chilli peppers to increase income.

The cooperative recently generated profits of 1.3 billion Rwandan francs, which were invested in treasury bonds at the National Bank of Rwanda. Dividends are distributed to members every six months according to the size of their land.

Rwisumbura added, 'Farmers now afford health insurance, improve their homes, and ensure students pay school fees on time, issues that were difficult before.'

He expressed optimism about increasing yields to nine tons per hectare, even during the dry season.

Farmer Violette Kansangire shared her experience, explaining that before irrigation, poverty was widespread due to long droughts. After irrigation began, her harvests increased from two tons to nine tons per hectare. She also expanded her farm to eight hectares and improved her living standards.

Another long-time resident of Nasho Sector thanked the President for helping secure irrigation support, which enabled him to rebuild his house and now plan to buy a motorcycle.

New road boosts market access

Besides creating jobs and improving livelihoods through irrigation, a new nearly 35-kilometre paved road has been constructed, connecting the irrigated fields to main transport routes.

NAICO Executive Director Shyaka Nshuti said the road has greatly facilitated access to markets and made it easier for farmers to transport fertilisers.

'Before, poor roads limited buyers and transport options. Now, trucks carrying 40 to 50 tons can easily access the farms, making marketing much easier,' he said.

Prime Minister Nsengiyumva praised the progress made by Nasho farmers and urged them to increase production, aiming to raise yields from 10 to 12 tons per hectare. He encouraged youth to work diligently and assured that local authorities are ready to provide support.

'Keep going, we support you. Whatever you need, local authorities are there. This is a program strongly supported by the government. Tell us what you need, and we will assist. When you are happy, we are happy," he said.

Currently, NAICO farms maize, soybeans, beans, pigeon peas, and chilli peppers, with some produce exported abroad.

During a visit to Kirehe District on August 8, 2025, the Prime Minister toured the Nasho irrigation project, which covers the Nasho and Mpanga sectors.