In a collective effort to boost agricultural productivity, farmers in Karongi District have raised more than 53 million francs to purchase certified potato seeds. The announcement was made in Murundi Sector as the 2026A farming season officially began.
The move comes after local leaders identified potatoes, tea, coffee, bananas, and pineapples as priority crops for the district’s future. Officials hope to expand potato farmland to over 2,000 hectares within two years.
Karongi Mayor Muzungu Gelard noted that the decision to prioritize potatoes was driven by both economic and social goals. “Potatoes can create jobs and provide export potential. Our ambition is for trucks to come to Karongi to load potatoes for Kigali and beyond,” he said.
Farmers welcomed the program, saying access to improved seeds will raise yields and strengthen household incomes. The initiative also complements ongoing efforts to modernize banana plantations and expand tea and coffee production across the district.
