Two senior government officials, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure, carried out a two-day working visit to Kirehe District in the Eastern Province. The visit focused on evaluating the progress of irrigation and land development projects aimed at transforming agriculture and strengthening export capacity.
Inspection of Mahama Irrigation Projects
During the visit, the ministers inspected Mahama Lot 1, which covers 1,220 hectares, and Mahama Lot 2, spanning 1,956 hectares. Both sites are still under construction, with ongoing development works expected to be completed by August 2026. These projects are set to play a major role in increasing agricultural productivity in Kirehe District.
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Mpanga Project Enters Production Phase
The delegation also visited the Mpanga irrigation project, which covers 659 hectares. Unlike the Mahama sites, Mpanga has already entered the production phase, with farmers actively cultivating crops. However, inspections are still ongoing to ensure irrigation systems are functioning efficiently and sustainably.
Reliable Water Sources for Farming
All the irrigation schemes rely on water drawn from the Migezi and Akagera rivers. These reliable water sources are essential for supporting large-scale farming and ensuring consistent agricultural production throughout the year, regardless of rainfall patterns.
ETI Initiative Driving Agricultural Transformation
The projects are part of the ETI (Export Targeted Irrigation) initiative, which aims to promote export-oriented agriculture. Constructed by companies from India, the initiative introduces modern irrigation technologies and engineering expertise to improve efficiency and productivity.
Job Creation and Community Benefits
Beyond increasing crop yields, the irrigation projects are creating employment opportunities for local communities. Jobs are being generated both during construction and in ongoing farming activities, with youth and women expected to benefit significantly.
Government Commitment to Modern Agriculture
The ministers emphasized the importance of completing the projects on time and maintaining high-quality standards. They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in modern agricultural systems as a key driver of economic growth, food security, and climate resilience.
A Step Toward Export Growth
Local farmers expressed optimism that improved irrigation will allow them to grow high-value crops for both domestic markets and export. Once fully operational, these projects are expected to position Kirehe District as a major hub for commercial agriculture in Rwanda.
