The Rwandan government has started a campaign to plant cattle feed in an effort to address the country's shortage of animal feed, which has resulted in a decline in milk production. The campaign, which began in the districts of Nyagatare and Gatsibo in October, aims to increase the availability of cattle feed and mitigate the effects of the shortage. According to the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Dr. Ndabamenye Telesphore, the shortage of cattle feed has led to a decline in milk production, and the government is taking steps to address the issue.
The campaign to plant cattle feed is part of a broader effort to increase agricultural productivity and address food security challenges in Rwanda. The government has also launched initiatives to provide clean water to livestock and improve infrastructure, including irrigation systems, to support farmers. Dr. Ndabamenye made these remarks during a meeting with lawmakers on October 27, 2026, as part of a national tour to assess the progress of agricultural activities.
The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry emphasized that planting cattle feed will become an integral part of Rwandan culture. He noted that the campaign aims to educate the public about the importance of planting cattle feed and to encourage farmers to adopt this practice. The government plans to use modern technology to harvest and store cattle feed, which will help to address the shortage during periods of drought or other adverse weather conditions.
The shortage of cattle feed has led to an increase in the price of milk and other dairy products in Rwanda. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the prices of goods and services in urban areas of Rwanda increased by 15.7% in August 2026 compared to August 2025. The government is working to address the issue of high prices by increasing agricultural productivity and improving the supply of food products.
The campaign to plant cattle feed is expected to help reduce the shortage of milk in Rwanda. The country's dairy industry has been affected by the shortage of cattle feed, which has led to a decline in milk production. The government is working with farmers and other stakeholders to implement the campaign and to promote the use of modern agricultural practices.
In the district of Nyagatare, farmers have reported a good harvest of maize and other crops, which is expected to help reduce the shortage of animal feed. The government is working to support farmers in other districts to increase their crop yields and improve their livelihoods. The campaign to plant cattle feed is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable agriculture and improve food security in Rwanda.
The government of Rwanda is committed to addressing the challenges facing the country's agricultural sector, including the shortage of cattle feed. The campaign to plant cattle feed is an important step towards achieving this goal, and the government is working with stakeholders to ensure its success. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the country's dairy industry and to improve the livelihoods of farmers and their families.
Key points
- The Rwandan government has launched a campaign to plant cattle feed to address a shortage of animal feed, which has led to a decline in milk production.
