A newly introduced potato seed variety, Cyerekezo, is altering agricultural outcomes for high-tech greenhouse growers in Rwanda's northern highlands. Initially distributed among farmers in the Musanze District through the "Dukomeze Ubuzima" cooperative, Cyerekezo is showcasing a yield capacity that nearly doubles traditional expectations. In recent trials, 200 kilograms of Cyerekezo seeds resulted in over 1.5 tons of harvested potatoes. Jean de Dieu Ngiruwonsanga, a grower from Nyamiyaga, observed that "This new potato seed variety called Cyerekezo was planted to test how well it performs. Judging by the yield, it gives us confidence that it will produce very well."
Typical yields range from 10 to 15 tubers per Cyerekezo plant, surpassing the 4 to 7 tubers per plant from older seed varieties. The farming cooperative not only provides seed distribution but also runs a livestock initiative involving pig sharing. According to Dorothée Ntabanganyimana of Kinigi Sector, "We planted just 200 kilograms and got more than a ton. That tells you everything. Cyerekezo will help us become food secure and earn income." Cyerekezo is presently in its expansion phase to build a sustainable seed reservoir.
Since 2025, Rwanda has introduced 35 potato varieties, including high-yield and climate-resilient options like Cyerekezo and Kazeneza, under the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and organizations such as ASARECA. Dr. Anastase Nduwayezu from RAB affirmed, "From what we've seen with Cyerekezo, a single plant can yield up to 15 tubers."
Despite past national production growth, from 2.2 million tons in 2013 to 6 million tons by 2019, productivity faced challenges due to recycled seeds prone to disease. Organizations are now advocating certified clean seed usage, supported by farmer training in improved methods. "We trained over 300 farmers on modern cultivation practices and introduced them to clean seed," stated Joshua Sikhu Okonya of ASARECA.
In addition to local needs, Rwandan potatoes are exported to Goma and Bukavu in DR Congo, especially during peak production phases after October, contributing to Rwanda's export economy. To stabilize pricing, the government regulates local market prices within a range of approximately $0.40 to $0.80 per kilogram. Shortages are mitigated by temporary imports from eastern DR Congo during off-seasons.
Cyerekezo's introduction to cooperatives, including "Dukomeze Ubuzima"—growing from 45 to over 500 members—emphasizes the potential for increased regional trade and farmer income stability. Jean Damascène Sinzabaheza noted their expansion possibilities, saying, "From one plant, we're getting 10 to 15 potatoes. We planted it on a small plot, multiplied it, and we're now ready to expand."
Source: KT Press