Eastern Province in Rwanda is gearing up for Season A 2026, with steady progress reported in preparations despite challenges posed by delayed rainfall. According to a joint assessment by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and district authorities, the province has seen an increase of 22,980 hectares in cultivated farmland compared to the same period in 2025. Currently, 70 percent of farmland is under cultivation, although the province still falls short of achieving full land consolidation.

Insufficient rainfall has hindered planting in several sectors, including Ndego, Kabare, Rwinkwavu, and Mwili. In Rwinkwavu, low water levels in valley dams have also affected rice irrigation. Farmers in the region are calling for climate-resilient seeds to help them adapt to changing weather patterns. They are urging authorities to prioritize early-maturing varieties suited to drought-prone areas, citing the need for short-cycle maize varieties that can survive under dry conditions.

Farmers have expressed concerns over the suitability of seeds currently distributed to them, pointing to varieties such as RHM 1407 and RHM 1409, which mature in 85 days and require less rainfall. In contrast, many farmers receive WH seeds, which they claim are slower to mature, less adapted to dry climates, and more expensive. A representative from Tubura, the seed supplier, has pledged to better reflect local needs in future seed distribution.

RAB’s Acting Director General, Dr. Solange Uwituze, has reassured farmers that they will receive seeds adapted to expected rainfall patterns, provided they accelerate land preparation and continue registering with the input system. Officials have also highlighted other challenges, including limited drying shelters, insufficient storage capacity, low budget allocations for inputs, and weak connectivity on the Smart Nkunganire System (SNS/MOPA).

To address these challenges, extension workers and agronomists are being deployed to guide best practices, while farmers are encouraged to maximize land use, apply fertilizers, and adopt improved seed. Maize has performed strongly in Eastern Province, yielding 4.4 tonnes per hectare, above the national benchmark of 2.7 tonnes. Other staple crops, such as beans, soya, rice, and Irish potatoes, remain slightly below targets.

Eastern Province Governor Pudence Rubingisa has emphasized that good harvests depend on more than just seeds, stressing the importance of timely planting, proper fertilizer use, and access to quality seeds. With improved rainfall expected to start in some areas from September 15, officials remain optimistic that Season A 2026 could surpass previous harvests, provided that responsive seed distribution and other challenges are addressed.