Africa-Press – Rwanda. Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente has called for the cultivation of idle land to increase agricultural production and address food security issues.
Currently, at least 17 per cent of households across the country remain food insecure, a situation that requires urgent measures.
Speaking to both Chambers of Parliament on Thursday, June 19, Ngirente said more unutilised land should be made available for citizens to farm. He said previously availed arable land had contributed to the agricultural production.
He had just made a presentation on the government’s actions and achievements in improving the standard of living of Rwandans.
Ngirente stated that all idle land, excluding protected wetlands, should be temporarily allocated to citizens for seasonal crop cultivation.
“Last year, during Agricultural Season A, crop production increased because we utilised over 30,000 hectares of previously idle land. We urged the cultivation of all idle land, both state-owned and privately owned,” he said.
“If you own land and are unable to make use of it, allow a farmer to use it temporarily for seasonal crops,” said the Prime Minister.
Members of Parliament follow Prime Minister’s remarks as he addressed both Chambers of Parliament on Thursday, June 19.Photos by Craish BAHIZI
However, he added, this excludes long-term crops such as bananas or tea, which can take up to five years.
“Seasonal crops, which are typically harvested within six months, can be grown on such land, which remains the property of the titleholder,” he explained.
About 59% Rwanda’s total land area of 2.376 million hectares is used for agricultural purposes.
In 2025 Season A, more than one million hectares were allocated to seasonal crops, about half a million hectares were allocated to permanent crops, while some 96 hectares were allocated to permanent pasture, according to Seasonal Agricultural Survey – Season A, 2025 by National Institute of Statistics (NISR).
In Season A of 2025, 37.3 per cent of farmers used improved seeds while13.4 per cent practiced irrigation.
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