Athanase Nduwumuremyi (PhD)

TURNING MAIZE PRODUCTION DECLINE INTO OPPORTUNITY THROUGH BIOTECH INNOVATION The latest Seasonal Agricultural Survey (SAS) 2025 Annual Report from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda highlights a critical trend: maize production declined -4.5% compared to 2024. This decline reflects persistent challenges facing maize farmers, particularly pressure from pests such as fall armyworm, climate variability, and yield instability. In response to this reality, Rwanda is taking a forward-looking and science-driven approach. On 21 January 2026, the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) launched field trials of 12 biotech maize varieties at the Bugarama site in @RusiziDistrict. These trials mark the first phase of five planned trials for Season 2026 B, with additional sites including Rubona, Karama, Cyabayaga, Bugarama, and @MusanzeDistrict. The trials are being conducted under both controlled and natural fall armyworm infestation, creating diverse environments to rigorously test performance. The goal is clear: identify maize varieties that can withstand major pests and diseases while delivering higher and more stable yields. This initiative is part of the Rwanda Agri-Biotech Programme (2021–2026), supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gates Philanthropic Partners, and directly targets the productivity gaps revealed by national statistics. As maize remains a staple crop for food security and livelihoods, these trials represent more than research, they are a strategic response to declining production. By investing in resilient, high-performing maize varieties today, Rwanda is laying the groundwork for stronger harvests, reduced losses, and a more food-secure future. #RwandaAgriUpdate #TalkAgriBiotech

IMAGINE THIS PLATE OF THE FUTURE On one side, a warm serving of Golden Rice glowing with golden grains. On the other, a vibrant Purple Tomato with interesting color and nutrients. Together, they tell a powerful story of how agricultural biotechnology is reshaping the way we eat, farm, and fight malnutrition. Let me explain a bit about #GoldenRice and #PurpleTomato GOLDEN RICE Developed by scientists in the late 1990s by Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer from Germany, this rice intended to be enriched beta-carotene, the precursor of Vitamin A. In many parts of Asia and Africa, Vitamin A deficiency is a silent killer leading to blindness in children and weakening the immune system. Golden Rice was designed as a lifesaving crop, offering nutrition right where people need it most. The Philippines became the first country to approve Golden Rice for commercial planting in 2021, making history in the fight against malnutrition. PURPLE TOMATO Developed in the UK by Professor Cathie Martin and her team at the John Innes Centre and the research was then commercialized through the company @BigPurpleTomato, this Purple Tomato is special and rich in anthocyanins, the same natural antioxidants found in blueberries and blackberries. These Anthocyanins have been linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation. The purple tomato doesn’t just look beautiful, it’s a functional food designed to improve human health. In 2022, the U.S. approved the Purple Tomato for commercial production, marking a new era where biotech crops go beyond farming benefits to directly enhance nutrition. So why does this matter for all of us; Golden Rice and Purple Tomato are more than just crops, they are innovations born from a vision of healthier, more resilient communities. They show how science can: -Combat hidden hunger and nutrient deficiencies. -Provide farmers with value-added crops. -Make everyday meals healthier without changing people’s eating habits. 🚨Now the true is this, #Biotechnology is not about “creating fake food.” It’s about harnessing nature’s own building blocks to solve real problems. With climate change, population growth, and nutrition challenges ahead, crops like these are part of the solution ensuring that the food on our plates nourishes both our bodies and our future. Science isn’t just in books, it’s on our dinner table, improving lives every single day. If food can be designed to heal, nourish, and protect, what would you want to see on your plate next? Credit; @BigPurpleTomato #Voices4AgriBiotech