{"id":110376,"date":"2025-09-19T18:48:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T18:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/pm-nsengiyumva-urges-rica-graduates-to-transform-agriculture"},"modified":"2025-09-19T19:23:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T19:23:13","slug":"pm-nsengiyumva-urges-rica-graduates-to-transform-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/culture-and-art\/pm-nsengiyumva-urges-rica-graduates-to-transform-agriculture","title":{"rendered":"PM Nsengiyumva Urges RICA Graduates to Transform Agriculture"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has urged graduates of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) to lead the country’s agricultural transformation by applying modern conservation practices and technological innovations.<\/p>\n

Speaking at RICA\u2019s third graduation ceremony held at the Bugesera campus on September 19, the premier commended the 83 graduates from the Class of 2025 for their academic achievement and underscored their critical role in advancing Rwanda\u2019s agricultural agenda.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday, you are not just receiving degrees; you are receiving a call to service,\u201d Nsengiyumva told the graduates.<\/p>\n

Some of the 83 graduates poses for a photo during the RICA\u2019s third graduation ceremony from the Class of 2025 at the Bugesera campus on Friday, September 19. photo by Craish Bahiz<\/p>\n

Increasing agricultural productivity<\/p>\n

Referring to the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Nsengiyumva reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing by 50 per cent the productivity of priority food crops in order to ensure food security, self-sufficiency, and competitiveness in export markets.<\/p>\n

According to the Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5), the government projects to increase annual agricultural export revenues from $839.2 million in 2023\/2024 to over $1.5 billion (over Rwf2 trillion) by 2028\/2029, representing a 78.7 per cent increase.<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva addresses graduates<\/p>\n

\u201cTo achieve this, we are investing in transforming agriculture into a more productive, market-oriented, and sustainable sector,\u201d Nsengiyumva said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs experts in conservation agriculture, you are well-positioned to drive this transformation by applying modern conservation practices and agri-tech innovation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The graduates specialised in four areas, namely animal production systems, crop production systems, food processing systems, and irrigation and mechanistion systems.<\/p>\n

Conservation agriculture, the Prime Minister said, represents a viable pathway for Rwanda to achieve environmental sustainability and long-term resilience.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy improving soil health, it enhances agricultural productivity, increases farm efficiency and profitability, and contributes significantly to food security and the improvement of rural livelihoods,\u201d he observed.<\/p>\n

Nsengiyumva praised RICA\u2019s teaching approach and the role of international partnerships, particularly the Howard Buffett Foundation, in shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn partnership with esteemed organisations such as the Howard Buffett Foundation, the Government has committed substantial resources to RICA, with the deliberate aim of developing a new generation of competent and dedicated leaders, poised to transform the agricultural sector,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

Marie Mediatrice Rutwaza Mujawimana, the top graduate in the Class of 2025, expressed her excitement and sense of accomplishment.<\/p>\n

Marie Mediatrice Rutwaza Mujawimana, the top graduate in the Class of 2025, expressed her excitement and sense of accomplishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe said that they studied core principles like minimum tillage and soil cover, and how these boost yields, and also learned about ecology and how agriculture connects to the broader ecosystem, including water bodies, soil, and biodiversity.<\/p>\n

Specialising in Crop Production Systems, which includes conservation agriculture, Mujawimana shared her vision for applying her training to support farmers, especially in rural areas for the country to achieve its agricultural putout target.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really need to reach those farmers in rural areas, tell them about conservation agriculture, teach them so that they know its importance and how it’s going to improve their production,” she said.<\/p>\n

“If we start from the farmers, smallholder farmers, we are really going to make that change and achieve that target,\u201d she said, underscoring the importance of agriculture mechanisation and irrigation technologies.<\/p>\n

She emphasised that RICA\u2019s hands-on training \u2013 including experiments and fieldwork \u2013 proved the impact of conservation agriculture in real-world conditions.<\/p>\n

A generation of change-makers<\/p>\n

In his remarks, Olusegun Yerokun, RICA Interim Vice Chancellor, underscored the urgency of building resilient, sustainable food systems in the face of major global challenges, such as climate change, soil degradation, population growth, and post-harvest losses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can no longer rely on methods that degrade our soils, deplete water sources, and compromise environmental and human health,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He commended the Class of 2025 for completing a rigorous, hands-on programme that equipped them to be problem-solvers and innovators in agriculture.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are game changers. Your generation understands the urgency and the need for bold, innovative solutions,” said Yerokun. “So, go and implement, lead, and promote conservation agricultural practices; develop and adapt new technologies; advocate for sustainable policies; and inspire and educate communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also conveyed a message from Howard Buffett, who was unable to attend the ceremony, reaffirming RICA\u2019s partnership with the Government of Rwanda. Since its inception, RICA has graduated 242 professionals skilled in conservation agriculture and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough our extension programme, we continue to partner with local communities to develop conservation agriculture model farmers. The positive response that we have recorded highlights the potential of these initiatives,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor us, conservation agriculture is more than just a set of techniques; it embodies a philosophy of building resilient farming systems prepared for a changing world. Prioritising soil health is vital to creating a sustainable future we can all be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of the 83 graduates during the RICA\u2019s third graduation ceremony from the Class of 2025 at the Bugesera campus on Friday, September 19. photo by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva poses for a photo with the 83 graduates during the RICA\u2019s third graduation ceremony from the Class of 2025 at the Bugesera campus on Friday, September 19. photo by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n\r\n