Improved potato varieties show strong yield and late blight resistance in Rwanda trials

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) conducted a harvesting exercise from February 3 to 6, 2026, to evaluate the performance of improved potato varieties Ndamira (Shangi) and Victoria, focusing on yield potential and resistance to late blight disease.

The exercise was carried out across multiple locations, including Kitabi in Nyamagabe District in the Southern Province; Musanze District and Rwerere in Burera District in the Northern Province; and Tamira in Rubavu District in the Western Province.
 

Field performance and programme collaboration

RAB officials, development partners, and participating farmers commended the varieties for delivering high yields and demonstrating strong resistance to late blight, a disease that has historically caused significant production losses for potato growers in Rwanda.

The improved varieties were developed through the Rwanda Agri-Biotech Programme, co-implemented by RAB in partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and other collaborators. 

The five-year programme, funded since October 2021 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gates Philanthropic Partners, focuses on strengthening productivity and resilience in key crops including maize, potato, and cassava.