Seed and Fertilizers Division

Overview

Under the supervision of the Directorate of Agriculture Development, the Seed and Fertilizers Division provides oversight of seed and fertilizer supply chain activities in the country. Key supply chain activities include planning and coordinating the production and delivery of different categories of seed required to meet farmers’ needs across cropping seasons through the Local Seed Production Program. The planning, supply, and distribution of subsidized seeds and fertilizers are also coordinated under the Seed and Fertilizers Division.

In close collaboration with Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture, seed quality testing activities are carried out by the National Seed Laboratory under the Division. Through the Seed and Fertilizers Division, emerging private seed industry actors are mobilized and provided with technical support towards professionalization.

The Seed and Fertilizers Division performs its functions through three main programs:

Local Seed Development Program;

Input (Seed and Fertilizer) Subsidy Program; and

National Seed Testing Laboratory.

Key Responsibilities of the Seed and Fertilizers Division

Develop initiatives and oversee the implementation of activities that promote the availability of adequate quality seeds and fertilizers for farmers across the country;
Ensure that comprehensive annual production plans for different seed categories are timely developed and implemented;
Mobilize stakeholder engagement and investment in activities that promote the availability of adequate seeds and fertilizers in the country;
Oversee and monitor the implementation of plans for the production of different seed categories at both RAB stations and private seed producers’ facilities;
Ensure that all inputs, materials, and equipment required for on-station seed production and processing are procured and delivered on time;
Coordinate resource mobilization and budgeting efforts to support the implementation of planned activities;
Coordinate the establishment of mechanisms that improve forecasting of seed and fertilizer demand to enable effective planning and supply of the required quantities;
Put in place mechanisms that enhance the efficiency and timely delivery of seeds and fertilizers to farmers during cropping seasons;
Coordinate and ensure the implementation of policies and regulations related to seed and fertilizer supply and use in the country;
Ensure that seeds delivered to farmers meet the required quality standards by strengthening the capacity of seed production technicians to provide adequate technical support to private seed producers and by conducting thorough laboratory testing of all seed consignments before distribution;
Coordinate the development and use of innovative tools to monitor the distribution and use of seeds and fertilizers supplied to farmers in districts;
In collaboration with districts, input suppliers, and agro-dealers, coordinate the timely supply and distribution of seeds and fertilizers to farmers nationwide;
Spearhead multi-stakeholder engagement along crop value chains to promote the supply and use of improved seeds and fertilizers by farmers;
Promote the strengthening and coordination of stakeholder forums that support the development and improved delivery of the agro-input sub-sector in the country;
Ensure effective coordination of activities, projects, and assets to support efficient delivery of seed services and ensure proper management of public resources and assets.