She made the remarks on Monday, August 31, 2026, during a visit by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Vice President Dr. Gérardine Mukeshimana and senior officials from several countries to projects aimed at adding value to milk production in Nyagatare District.
The delegation visited Nyagatare Daily Marketing Cooperative, which is supported by the Rwanda Dairy Development Project Phase II (RDDP II), funded by IFAD. They also visited private veterinary practitioners operating in Nyagatare and the Inyange powdered milk processing plant.
Rugamba Sam, who collects about 100 litres of milk per day, said farmers still face challenges in accessing high-yielding dairy cattle that would enable them to operate commercially.
He said that although dairy farming is profitable, farmers have yet to gain sufficient access to cattle capable of producing large quantities of milk.
Mukansanga Cecile, who keeps eight cows, said they produce about 50 litres of milk per day. However, during the dry season, production drops significantly, with her four lactating cows producing only slightly more than 10 litres per day.
She called for support to help farmers access cattle with higher milk yields.
Uwituze said Rwanda is continuing to promote livestock farming based on market demand.
“We currently have 30 bulls. This year, we renewed our stock and brought in 30 new ones, which are now available at our Isonga Centre. We have three breeds of dairy cattle, as well as breeds of beef cattle. We brought them in to provide breeding material for beef cattle to farmers. They are now doing well.”
Dr. Uwituze said the semen from the bulls will be used to improve cattle breeds among farmers and increase the availability of animals suited for both dairy and beef production.
She also said the government is testing a system that could allow farmers to access sexed semen from next year, enabling them to know whether the resulting calf will be male or female.
“There are investors we are talking to so that they can come and support us. The discussions are already underway.”
Meanwhile, IFAD Vice President Dr. Gérardine Mukeshimana called for greater investment in smallholder farmers and livestock keepers to enable them to meet market demand.
She said 70 percent of agricultural and livestock production comes from smallholder farmers and called for efforts to build their capacity so they can increase production and better meet market needs.
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