The Government of Rwanda has approved a new draft law imposing tougher penalties on farmers and traders who violate regulations on land use, seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals. The move aims to professionalize the agriculture sector, protect crop quality, and safeguard the environment.
The draft law, endorsed by Cabinet on January 28, 2026, will be submitted to Parliament for approval. It targets farmers whose practices spread pests and diseases, cause soil erosion, or degrade land, as well as traders selling substandard or expired seeds and agricultural chemicals.
Violators face fines ranging from Rwf 200,000 to Rwf 10 million and prison terms of three months to five years, depending on the offense. Repeat offenders risk doubled penalties and permanent bans from the sector. Importing, exporting, or selling banned agrochemicals could lead to imprisonment of up to three years and fines of up to Rwf 5 million.
Officials say poor land and crop management undermines yields, threatens public health, and damages the environment. Innocent Namuhoranye, President of the National Seed Association of Rwanda, called the measures “critical for building a professional and sustainable agriculture sector.”
Patrick Karangwa, Director General in charge of Agricultural Development at MINAGRI, said the law complements support programs like crop insurance and closes loopholes that previously allowed illegal practices to go unpunished.
Rwanda aims to increase crop productivity by 50 percent by 2028/2029 under the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation. Agriculture authorities say enforcing stronger regulations on land and crop management is central to achieving this target.
