Farmers Hope Genetically Modified Seeds Will Revive Potato and Cassava Farming

Rwanda has embarked on a strategy to boost agricultural productivity by launching research into genetically modified seeds. Farmers are hopeful that these new seeds will help revive agriculture as the current ones are prone to diseases requiring costly inputs, alike.

The goal is to produce seeds that can handle climate change, resist diseases, and produce more harvest than existing seeds.

Since 2022, Rwanda has been researching genetically modified potatoes, maize, and cassava that will soon be available to farmers, according to authorities.

Pierre Célestin Kanyesoko, a potato farmer in Busasamana Sector, Rubavu District, says the new seeds would be a great help, given the increasing cost of fertilizers and pesticides.

“We used to buy a bag of fertilizer for 25,000 Rwandan francs. Now it’s over 40,000—even with government subsidies. A bag of pesticide that once cost Rwf70,000 now goes for 170,000. If we get seeds that don’t require all those, it will be a breakthrough. Farmers will return to potato farming with real hope for good yields,” he said.

Guillaume Ndizeye, from Kirehe District, Eastern Province is excited to be among the first to try the improved potato seeds and invest in this crop. “I’d like to be selected for the seed trials. From what I’ve heard, these seeds produce high yields per hectare and don’t need frequent pesticide application. That would really help farmers and the country overall,” he said.

Pacifique Nshimiyimana, Director of Alliance for Science Rwanda, an organization that helps the Ministry of Agriculture promote biotechnology, said these seeds will lower production costs.

Potato farmers in Northern Rwanda often spend a lot on pesticides. Nshimiyimana noted that if those costs go away, farmers will face less financial pressure.

He shared an example of a farmer who might spray crops weekly but still face losses from unexpected issues later, despite spending heavily. “Farmers using these improved seeds won’t have to worry about rain-related diseases anymore”, he said.

Jacques Niyongira, a cassava grower in Ntongwe Sector, Ruhango District, mentioned that he and other farmers are eagerly waiting for the new seeds because current cassava varieties are often attacked by Kabore and mosaic diseases.

“Quality seeds change everything—they bring us food and income. Poor seeds, on the other hand, lead to major losses. I once lost everything from my cassava plantation of over 20 hectares due to poor seeds. It took me three years to recover. The current seeds have become so weak that we’re afraid to continue using them. We hope the new ones will help us modernize cassava farming,” he said.

Are concerns about the health effects of GMOs valid?

Kanyesoko that today it’s difficult to find potatoes that haven’t been treated with chemical fertilizers or pesticides. He hope that using GMOs is similar to eating food grown with chemicals. However, he insists that the government should monitor any potential health impacts closely.

“This is the era we live in. If farmers have access to good seeds and the government makes sure they’re safe, that’s all we need”, he added.

 Dr. Athanase Nduwumuremyi, a researcher at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resource Development Board (RAB) and head of biotechnology innovations, urged the public not to worry about health risks related to GMOs.

“Genetically modified crops are not dangerous. The fear is fueled by individuals with personal agendas spreading false claims”, he explained. Rwanda is not the first to introduce GMOs because South Africa has been using them since 1994, and over 60% of their maize market is GMO.”

GMOs can help protect the environment

Pacifique Nshimiyimana mentioned that GMO crops will also benefit the environment. The pesticides used on traditional potato farms harm soil organisms and kill bees.

“We’ve heard complaints, especially from beekeepers in the north, that their bees die after visiting pesticide-treated potato fields. This problem will disappear with GMO crops, and beekeepers will benefit too,” he said.

GMOs in the fight against malnutrition

 Biotechnology can improve crops to boost nutrition. Through genetic modification, a crop can contain more nutrients, better aroma, and be easier to grow. These crops could help the government reduce costs in addressing child malnutrition and stunting by making nutritious food more accessible and affordable.

Dr. Nduwumuremyi added, “We have a stunting problem in Rwanda. But with GMOs, we can produce seeds rich in zinc, vitamin A, and even omega-3, which we usually get from fish. Technology can help us create crops that contain those same essential nutrients.”

The law governing GMOs in Rwanda

In February 2024, Rwanda enacted legislation governing biosafety, aimed at ensuring the safe handling, transfer, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) food in the country.

The law’s primary objective is to establish a robust level of protection concerning the safe transfer and utilization of living modified organisms (LMOs), commonly known as GMOs, generated through modern biotechnology. The law covers contained use, deliberate release, placing on the market, import and export of GMOs and products containing GMOs.

Rwanda joined other countries globally by signing the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Ratification of the protocol implies that a state has agreed to be legally bound by provisions of the Protocol and must comply with obligations stipulated in the instrument.

Countries with regulatory frameworks for GMOs focus on assessing risks to consumer health and the environment. Activities subject to permit application include contained use, field trials, intentional introduction, marketing, importing, and handling of GMOs.