RWANDA – In September 2024, Rwanda began testing genetically modified potato varieties that are resistant to late blight, a fungal disease that severely impacts potato yields.
The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Authority (RAB) is leading this project, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to modernize its agricultural sector.
Late blight is a destructive disease affecting potatoes, causing yield losses ranging from 60% to 100% if untreated.
Farmers in East Africa, including Rwanda, struggle to combat this problem, as it requires heavy use of pesticides, which not only increases production costs but also harms the environment.
“We are working with the International Potato Centre (CIP) to develop potato varieties resistant to late blight,” said Athanase Nduwumuremyi, coordinator of the “Roots and Tubers” program at RAB.
The partnership aims to cultivate new varieties that can withstand the disease and reduce dependency on chemical treatments.
Nduwumuremyi explained that the new GM potato varieties will be based on locally favored ones, including the Victoria variety, an early-maturing type that can be harvested three times a year.
“These potatoes will offer a sustainable solution to the challenges farmers face with the current varieties,” he added.
The trials, which will be carried out in the Northern Province, are part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to adopt genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture. The government passed a bill in 2023 allowing the use, processing, marketing, import, and export of GMOs.
The move has sparked interest in transgenic crops, as the country explores their potential to increase food security and reduce crop losses.
“We anticipate approval from the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) to conduct confined trials during the 2024/25 fiscal year,” Nduwumuremyi revealed.
The confined nature of these tests ensures that the genetically modified potatoes will be grown under controlled conditions to evaluate their safety and effectiveness.
Rwanda’s annual potato production was nearly 865,000 tons in 2023, according to the National Institute of Statistics (NSR).
The introduction of genetically modified potatoes could significantly increase this figure by mitigating the damage caused by late blight, improving yields, and contributing to the country’s food security.
Impact on bees and honey production
In addition to combating late blight, the introduction of GM potatoes may address another pressing issue: the decline of the bee population in Rwanda.
Farmers have reported a significant reduction in honey production due to the widespread use of pesticides on potato crops. By reducing the need for pesticides, the new GM varieties could help protect bees, which are vital for pollination.
The connection between these genetically modified crops and environmental sustainability is clear. “The adoption of GM potatoes has the potential to boost honey production and restore ecological balance,” said Nduwumuremyi.
This dual benefit of increased agricultural productivity and environmental protection strengthens the case for advancing the use of GM technology in Rwanda.
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