Rwanda exhibition focuses on innovation for sustainable agri-food systems

People attend the 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, Rwanda, on June 21, 2025. Rwandan farmers are showcasing a wide range of innovations transforming the country's agriculture sector at the ongoing 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, the capital. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

KIGALI, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan farmers are showcasing a wide range of innovations transforming the country's agriculture sector at the ongoing 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, the capital.

Running from June 18 to 27, the exhibition attracted about 500 exhibitors, according to Rwanda's Ministry of Agriculture.

From smart irrigation systems and high-yield crop varieties to modern machinery, smart farming tools and climate-smart solutions, visitors can see real farming solutions in action which have been tested, proven, and ready to adopt.

Also on display are tractors, precision seeders, harvesters, and other impressive machines that showcase how mechanization is transforming agriculture in Rwanda.

Fredy Karegeya, head of seed production at a local seed company, said that the adoption of smart systems and innovation has enabled their seed production to thrive and make a real impact on food systems in the country.

"We work on three crops including maize, beans and soybeans, the major one being maize. In maize seed production, we have almost four varieties and others in the pipeline coming soon after the performance trial. One of the maize varieties we developed is suitable for dry lands, a variety that produces high yields ranging from nine metric tons to 12 metric tons per hectare," Karegeya told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"This maize variety is new and has the capacity to withstand the changing climate with a shorter maturity period of three months. This variety plays a key role in ensuring sustainable food systems, whereby farmers get high quality production and get seeds in time," he added.

Earlier, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe said the annual event offers a platform for showcasing technologies, innovative practices, and partnerships that address the challenges in agriculture from climate change to post-harvest losses. ■

People visit a booth showcasing cooking bananas during the 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, Rwanda, on June 21, 2025. Rwandan farmers are showcasing a wide range of innovations transforming the country's agriculture sector at the ongoing 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, the capital. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

People talk at a booth showcasing improved cattle feeding techniques during the 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, Rwanda, on June 21, 2025. Rwandan farmers are showcasing a wide range of innovations transforming the country's agriculture sector at the ongoing 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, the capital. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

People visit a large-scale mobile irrigation system during the 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, Rwanda, on June 21, 2025. Rwandan farmers are showcasing a wide range of innovations transforming the country's agriculture sector at the ongoing 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, the capital. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

People visit the Rwanda Made Tea corner during the 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, Rwanda, on June 21, 2025. Rwandan farmers are showcasing a wide range of innovations transforming the country's agriculture sector at the ongoing 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, the capital. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

People talk at a booth showcasing chili pepper and bean harvests during the 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, Rwanda, on June 21, 2025. Rwandan farmers are showcasing a wide range of innovations transforming the country's agriculture sector at the ongoing 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, the capital. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

Farmers showcase various hybrid potato varieties at the 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, Rwanda, on June 21, 2025. Rwandan farmers are showcasing a wide range of innovations transforming the country's agriculture sector at the ongoing 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, the capital. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

People talk at a booth showcasing a cassava variety during the 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, Rwanda, on June 21, 2025. Rwandan farmers are showcasing a wide range of innovations transforming the country's agriculture sector at the ongoing 18th National Agriculture Show in Kigali, the capital. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)