Modernizing Agriculture: Minagri, partners launch a mechanization hub in Nyagatare

On 21 August 2025, the Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, in partnership with Heifer Rwanda and Hello Tractor has launched a Mechanization Hub in Nyagatare District. The hub will equip smallholder farmers with modern tractors, affordable services and professional operator training-boosting productivity and driving agricultural transformation.

The State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, commend the initiative, highlighting its alignment with PASTA5 priorities: modernization, eco-friendly technologies, and rural job creation.

“Using machinery yields many times more than manual farming. We still had a gap in having enough of these machines and making them available to those who need them that’s why we have taken measures to work with the private sector to increase the use of machinery in agriculture, make it available to those who need it, and thus accelerate agriculture on a large area and achieve the desired yields”, he said.

Heifer Rwanda country director, Verena Ruzibuka remarked: “Today we take a bold step towards building agriculture that is efficient, timely, and sustainable. In Nyagatare and neighbouring districts, these tractors will boost productivity, ease the burden on farmers, and unlock higher yields in less time.

Residents of Nyagatare, especially farmers, say that the lack of such machines used to affect their activities. Rutagengwa Antony, a resident of Rutaraka Cell, said: When we wanted a machine, we would find that others had taken it, which would make us feel sad. We appreciate this initiative through which a permanent way was introduced for farmers to get machinery when they need it. We are confident that as more machines become available, the prices we used to rent them will decrease.”

The Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, urged residents to take advantage of this opportunity to improve their agriculture, grow food for themselves and expand their markets.

“The authorities also have a responsibility to remain close to them and advise them on any obstacles in their activities so that solutions can be found with the help of agricultural technicians located throughout the districts and sectors.”

Statistics show that about 60% of the population of Nyagatare District is engaged in agriculture, while about 30% are dependent on livestock activities.

Currently, livestock farmers have begun implementing a plan to cultivate 70% of their pastures, which is increasing the number of people in need of farming machinery in this district.

In Nyagatare District, only 7000 hectares out of more than 83000 hectares are cultivated using machinery.

In addition to Nyagatare, a similar hub opened its doors in Kayonza District last year, helping more than 6000 farmers cultivate three thousand hectares.