Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), has launched a new program aimed at improving the country’s agricultural output by using genetically modified crops.
The $9.9 million initiative, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will focus on boosting the production of cassava and potatoes. These new crop varieties are designed to resist diseases, pests, and drought.
RAB, working with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), introduced the Agricultural Biotechnology Programme to help farmers increase their yields and adapt to climate challenges.
Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of using advanced technologies to improve food security and boost farmers’ incomes.
The five-year program, running from October 2024 to October 2029, involves RAB and international partners like Bayer, CIMMYT, and the International Potato Center. The program aims to tackle long-standing problems in agriculture, such as pests and climate change, while reducing the need for imported food.
