HoReCo Promotes Improved Potato Varieties to Expand Potato Farming Across Rwanda
KIGALI, Rwanda – Horticulture in Reality Corporation Ltd (HoReCo) is promoting improved potato seed varieties that are enabling farmers to grow potatoes in areas where the crop was previously considered unsuitable, a breakthrough the company says could significantly boost Rwanda’s potato production and strengthen national food security.
The Rwandan agribusiness company recently showcased the improved varieties during the 2026 Rwanda AgriShow, highlighting research-driven innovations that are helping farmers access certified seeds adapted to different agroecological zones across the country.
Speaking to TOP AFRICA NEWS, Nkenuye Museveni Jean Bosco, the Potato Seeds Production Project Manager at HoReCo, said the project seeks to ensure that every farmer has access to potato varieties that match the climatic conditions of their locality.
“For many years, Rwandans believed potatoes could only be grown in the cool highlands of Northern and Western Rwanda, as well as parts of Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe. Through research and innovation, HoReCo has introduced potato varieties that can perform well in different parts of the country,” he said.
HoReCo multiplies certified potato seed varieties that have been researched and approved by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) before supplying them to seed multipliers and farmers.
Among the company’s flagship varieties are Cyerekezo and Ndamira, which have already demonstrated strong performance in districts where potato farming was previously uncommon, including Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza, Kirehe, and other parts of Eastern and Southern Rwanda.
According to Nkenuye, HoReCo’s approach is based on scientific assessment rather than distributing the same seed variety everywhere.
“Every district has unique environmental conditions. We first conduct assessments before recommending the most suitable potato variety so that farmers can achieve the highest possible yields,” he explained.
For traditional potato-growing areas such as Nyamasheke, Nyamagabe, and Nyaruguru, the company continues to supply varieties including Kuruza, Cyerekezo, and Kinigi, which are well adapted to those environments.
Nkenuye described Cyerekezo as one of the company’s most promising varieties because of its wide adaptability.
“Cyerekezo can perform well in many parts of Rwanda. It matures early and produces high yields, making it an excellent choice for farmers looking to increase productivity,” he said.
Currently, HoReCo produces between 500 and 600 tonnes of certified seed annually and is expanding its multiplication activities beyond Musanze to districts such as Gatsibo to improve farmers’ access to quality planting materials.
Nkenuye reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting farmers through innovation and quality seed production.
“Our goal is to ensure that farmers across Rwanda have access to improved potato varieties that increase yields, improve incomes and contribute to the country’s agricultural transformation.”
By developing potato varieties adapted to different agroecological conditions, HoReCo is helping expand potato cultivation beyond Rwanda’s traditional growing zones, offering more farmers the opportunity to benefit from one of the country’s most important food and cash crops.
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