As farmers across Rwanda begin preparing for the 2027A agricultural season, the Rwanda Meteorology Agency (Meteo Rwanda) is urging them not to wait for the first rains before starting their preparations.
Instead, farmers are encouraged to prepare their fields and secure essential agricultural inputs, including seeds and fertilizers, in advance so that they can begin planting at the appropriate time once conditions are favorable.
In Huye District, some farmers say they have already started preparing their fields and sourcing the inputs they will need for the upcoming season.
Jeannette Uwimana, a farmer and member of a cooperative operating in the Rwasave marshland, said they are making early preparations to ensure they are ready when the rains begin.
“We have started preparing our fields and looking for seeds and fertilizers so that, once the rains arrive, we can immediately start planting,” she said.
Another farmer, Karambazi Felix, said he has already ploughed his land and removed the remaining crop residues, leaving his fields ready for planting. He said that if he receives seeds on time, he intends to plant as early as possible, noting that farmers in the area normally aim to have planted by September 15 at the latest.
However, Meteo Rwanda is advising farmers to combine their preparations with regular monitoring of weather forecasts rather than relying solely on the arrival of rainfall to determine when to plant.
Aimable Gahigi, Director General of Meteo Rwanda, urged farmers to complete all necessary preparations in advance while avoiding premature planting before checking the expected weather conditions.
“Strong winds, frequent thunderstorms, landslides, hailstorms and floods are among the weather-related hazards that may accompany the September rainfall season. Before the rains begin, farmers can continue with other agricultural activities, such as erosion control. But when the appropriate planting period arrives, they should plant based on the weather forecast. Farmers should prepare all the inputs they will need in advance and use weather information to determine the right time to plant,” he said.
Meteo Rwanda says rainfall patterns during the upcoming agricultural season may differ from what farmers have traditionally expected. This makes the effective use of weather information particularly important in agricultural planning and decision-making.
The agency is also reminding farmers that seasonal forecasts should not replace short-term weather updates. Seasonal forecasts provide a broader picture of expected conditions, while shorter-range forecasts can help farmers determine the most suitable time to carry out specific activities, including planting.
The advice comes as preparations for the 2027A season gather pace, with agriculture expected to play a major role in food production across the country. Current plans indicate that more than 765,000 hectares are expected to be cultivated during the season, with crops including maize, beans, potatoes, cassava, rice, soybeans and vegetables.
Given the possibility of heavy rainfall in some areas, farmers are also being encouraged to strengthen erosion-control measures, maintain drainage systems and take steps to protect their crops from water-related damage.
Meteo Rwanda continues to provide weather information to support farmers and agricultural authorities in making informed decisions throughout the farming season. Its services include five-day, ten-day, monthly and seasonal forecasts, as well as weather information specifically tailored to the agricultural sector.
Farmers are therefore encouraged to prepare their fields and secure seeds, fertilizers and other inputs well in advance, but to avoid planting before checking the latest weather forecasts.
By combining early preparation with timely and accurate weather information, farmers can reduce the risk of losing seeds, protect their crops from weather-related hazards and improve their chances of achieving better yields.
