Cultivating sustainable growth through high-tech agriculture in Rwanda

When ambition meets innovation remarkable transformations occur. This was vividly demonstrated by the Seed Potato Fund Ventures (SPF) project in Musanze, Rwanda, where advanced horticultural techniques are paving the way for sustainable development. The project underscores PUM’s mission to empower ambitious entrepreneurs in building a structurally better future for their communities socially, ecologically, and economically.

SPF consists of 506 shareholders focused on cultivating both seed potato and ware potatoes as individual farmers or in cooperatives. A select group is dedicated to propagating quality seed potatoes. The process begins with laboratory seed multiplication using invitro techniques, followed by cultivation in SPF’s aeroponic screenhouses. Here, small potatoes are harvested from plants grown from invitro material. These small potatoes are further propagated by a few seed multipliers under out growers’ contracts, to produce sufficient seed potatoes to meet the needs of all members and potentially supply other growers.

Navigating high-tech risks

While high-tech farming offers significant benefits, it also brings unique challenges. SPF experienced three successful years of production from 2020 to 2022. However, in June 2023, a severe and unidentified disease outbreak disrupted operations. Despite disinfection efforts, a subsequent crop also failed. Recognising the need for expert guidance and a fresh point of view, SPF came in contact with PUM via the Dutch embassy. A match was found in Johan Schoenmakers. As an agronomist and expert in greenhouse crop management he has a wealth of experience in growing crops in greenhouses with different techniques.

Johan: “I was impressed by the mega aeroponic screenhouse upon arrival at SPF in Musanze. The irrigation system is constructed in a smart way and there are facilities for people to disinfect before they enter the screenhouse. Aeroponics truly represents the future, as it allows for significantly higher production per square meter compared to traditional farming. However, there is a downside as well. The system is quite vulnerable, making risk management a critical aspect of aeroponics.”

Knowledge gaps and risk management

Johan was the right person to be working together with SPF. During his visits on site, he had a profound look and discussed working methods with the management and employees. It became clear that there were opportunities to enhance the risk management in aeroponic farming. Simple yet impactful measures were recommended, such as sterilising water, maintaining clean clothing, using original fertiliser packaging, and disinfecting tools. For SPF, these straightforward suggestions were an eye-opener. Addressing these gaps would significantly reduce the potential for disease, strengthening the enterprise’s long-term sustainability.”