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In the village of Karushuga, within the Nyagatare District, dairy farmer Peter Maridadi has dedicated many years to enhancing his livestock. He has used natural breeding methods, but the outcomes have frequently been unsatisfactory—unpredictable bulls, weak calves, and low milk production. “Bulls require ongoing monitoring for years before you can determine their value,” he explained. “Often, they don’t meet our expectations. With quality semen, we anticipate stronger breeds and improved productivity.” ALSO READ: Rwandan farms adopt high-tech solutions to combat drought. Farmers like Maridadi might soon see relief. A new liquid nitrogen plant valued at nearly Rwf 2 billion is planned for construction in Kayonza District, located in the heart of the Eastern Province. Once completed, it is expected to revolutionize dairy farming by providing farmers with dependable access to artificial insemination services and superior cattle breeds. Liquid nitrogen is essential for preserving bovine semen at ultra-low temperatures of -196°C, enabling effective insemination. Previously, farmers in the East, the country’s largest livestock region, faced challenges with storage shortages and inconsistent access. Another farmer from Nyagatare shared the frustrations of waiting for veterinary officers. “You call the vet, but they are occupied elsewhere. By the time they arrive, the cow is no longer in heat,” he said. “Even after paying, insemination may not succeed. Having semen stored nearby would be very beneficial.” Currently, Rwanda’s existing facilities produce about 20 liters of liquid nitrogen per hour, primarily from RAB’s Songa Station in Huye District. The Kayonza facility will nearly double this output, producing 45 liters per hour, and reduce the distance farmers must travel for these services. ALSO READ: Why Rwanda aims to boost organic fertilizer use. Dr. Solange Uwituze, Interim Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB), stated that Kayonza was selected strategically due to its central location. “This plant will complement those in Kigali and Huye, ensuring nationwide coverage,” she said. “It will lower transport costs, minimize delays, and provide Eastern Province farmers with quicker and more reliable access to services.” For farmers, the impact could be transformative. Artificial insemination enhances cattle genetics, increasing milk production and herd resilience. Already, Rwanda has made progress: 109,209 cows were inseminated during the 2023/2024 fiscal year, while national milk production has increased from 776 million liters in 2017 to one billion liters today. Government initiatives such as Girinka, which has provided cows to thousands of families, and the Rural Development Dairy Program (RDDP2), which invests in feed, water infrastructure, and veterinary services, have created a solid foundation. The Kayonza plant adds another crucial element to the chain—one that farmers hope will finally tip the scales in their favor. ALSO READ: Rwanda plans to introduce agrihubs and food basket sites in a new strategy. “I believe this will be a turning point,” Maridadi said with cautious optimism. “With better breeds, our cows will give us more milk, and that means more income for our families.”

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