Our Biotech Crops

What is Biotech Cassava?

Biotech cassava varieties have been developed to resist Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), which devastate yields across Sub-Saharan Africa. Rwanda's RABP-CMP program has developed and tested lines like TH16-T2xR2-82 and TH16-T2xR1-222 in confined field trials.

Key Challenges Addressed

CBSD and CMD can destroy up to 100% of a cassava harvest. Rwanda's smallholder farmers depend on cassava as both food and income. Biotech resistance traits directly address these devastating threats to food security.

Benefits for Farmers

Disease resistance means stable yields, lower crop losses, and reduced need for replanting. Biotech cassava also offers improved nutritional profiles and yield improvements of up to 40% compared to susceptible conventional varieties.

Field Trial Results

Confined field trials in Rubona and other RAB stations demonstrated strong CBSD resistance. Environmental release approval was granted by REMA on September 3rd, 2025 — marking Rwanda's first approval of a biotech food crop.