Chamber of Deputies Urges MINAGRI to Reduce Agricultural Spoilage

The Chamber of Deputies has requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MINAGRI) to develop strategies to monitor and reduce post-harvest spoilage, particularly for rice and maize, by March 3, 2026. The decision was taken during the Plenary Session of March 3, 2026, following a study to be conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). MINAGRI has been given three months to implement the measures. The move comes after an audit by the Auditor General of Government Finance revealed post-harvest losses of 12.4% for rice and 13.8% for maize, exceeding the national target of reducing crop losses to 5% by 2029. The audit highlighted insufficient and damaged infrastructure, with rice and maize drying facilities operating at 9% and 18% capacity, and storage facilities accommodating only 33% of production, of which 33% were damaged. In some districts, storage facilities were being misused; for example, Nyagatare’s Rwangingo rice cooperative stored hay instead of rice, while in Rusizi, some storage sheds remained unused. Muzana Alice, Chairperson of the Commission on Land, Agriculture, Livestock and Environment, emphasized challenges such as limited market access, seasonal variations in production, and highly perishable crops, which affect both farmers and consumers. The audit found that of 14 maize cooperatives visited across Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Gisagara, and Rusizi, 12 lacked active markets for stored produce. The Chamber urged MINAGRI to: Establish quarterly and annual monitoring mechanisms for perishable crops, supported by NISR research every three years. Accelerate the implementation of AMIS technology, which will improve the management of agricultural produce and connect farmers to markets. Develop methods to better link rice and maize production with markets, ensuring farmers can cultivate with confidence even before AMIS technology is fully operational. AMIS is a forthcoming agricultural information system designed to provide timely and comprehensive data to support farming decisions and market access across Rwanda.