Rwanda is taking a bold step to transform its livestock sector. The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has received the first batch of 10 high-genetic-merit Holstein-Friesian bulls imported from Germany, marking a major milestone in the national Bovine Artificial Insemination (AI) programme 🐂✨.
These bulls are expected to revolutionize dairy farming in the country, producing cows capable of giving over 10,000 litres of milk per lactation, far above the national average. An additional 20 elite bulls including Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Angus, and Charolais will arrive in April 2026, further enhancing both milk and beef production nationwide.
The initiative also supports the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Bovine Genetic Improvement in Songa, Huye District 🏫🐄.
The center will:
- Produce and distribute high-quality bovine semen
- Promote advanced reproductive technologies such as AI and embryo transfer
- Serve as a national hub for research, training, and innovation
- Support livestock technicians, veterinarians, and farmers with skills and knowledge
📈 Boosting Milk Production and Food Security
The programme aligns with Rwanda’s Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 5) and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). These plans aim to increase national milk production to 1,323,561 metric tonnes per year by 2028/2029 🥛📊.
Improved cattle genetics and wider AI services will:
- Increase milk availability for families and markets 🥛
- Improve nutrition and food security 🍽️
- Raise farmer incomes 💰
- Strengthen Rwanda’s livestock sector and rural livelihoods 👩🏽🌾👨🏽🌾
🐄❤️ About the Project
All the bulls were purchased under the Rwanda Dairy Development Project – Phase 2 (RDDP2), a programme funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented by RAB.
RDDP2 focuses on:
- Boosting dairy productivity
- Improving access to quality livestock inputs
- Supporting smallholder farmers to adopt modern and sustainable farming techniques
- Strengthening the dairy value chain across the country
TCN || The Comments News
