Nyabihu: Top-performing pyrethrum farmers rewarded with Cows

Pyrethrum Farmers’ Day was celebrated in Kabatwa Sector, Nyabihu District, where outstanding pyrethrum farmers were rewarded with cows in recognition of their contribution to the sector. This annual event is organized by Orizon SOPYRWA, a company engaged in the purchase and processing of pyrethrum, as a way of recognizing and appreciating pyrethrum farmers for their production achievements and encouraging them to further invest in the crop in order to increase both the quality and quantity of their yields.

The event was attended by the Governor of the Western Province and brought together pyrethrum farmers from Nyabihu and Rubavu Districts, as well as local leaders from the two districts.

In his remarks, the Governor of the Western Province, Ntibitura Jean Bosco, commended pyrethrum farmers for their hard work, commitment, and perseverance, highlighting their contribution to the development of both the Province and the country as a whole.

He emphasized that pyrethrum is an important cash crop that generates foreign exchange for the country. It is also used to produce products that help control pests affecting crops and livestock, while providing farmers with income that enables them to improve their livelihoods and invest in their development.

Pyrethrum Farmers Commended for Improving Both the Quality and Quantity of Their Production

The Governor particularly commended the eight pyrethrum farmers’ cooperatives affiliated with the Rwanda Pyrethrum Cooperative Union (RPCU). “Through the union, farmers have a stronger collective voice, improved access to services and knowledge, and the opportunity to work together to increase production and add value to their produce.”- He said

The impressive production results are attributed to strong collaboration among farmers, pyrethrum farmers’ cooperatives, local government authorities, Orizon SOPYRWA, and government institutions, including the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), and the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA).

It was highlighted that such collaboration is essential to the development of agriculture in general, particularly in the areas of research and the development of seed propagation. These efforts continue to contribute to increased production, improved quality, and better livelihoods for farmers, ultimately resulting in higher incomes from pyrethrum production.

The Managing Director of Orizon SOPYRWA, Mr. Bizimungu Gabriel, commended farmers for the significant increase in both the quantity and quality of their production in 2025. He noted that pyrethrum farmers in Rubavu and Nyabihu Districts produced a total of 1,620 tonnes of pyrethrum, representing approximately 70% of the total production received by the processing plant.

“Overall, the company received 2,160 tonnes of pyrethrum, including production from Musanze and Burera Districts. This represents an increase of approximately 500 tonnes compared with the previous production period.”- He said

Mr. Bizimungu expressed particular appreciation to farmers in Nyabihu and Rubavu for their impressive performance, noting that the 1,620 tonnes produced by farmers in the two districts generated approximately RWF 2.4billion in income for local households.

Among the initiatives through which Orizon SOPYRWA supports farmers are the provision of fertilizers and the distribution of pyrethrum planting materials.

As part of this year’s celebrations, ten cows were awarded to outstanding farmers, in addition to the 53 cows previously received by farmers who had, in turn, passed them on to other farmers.

In addition to the livestock, all participating farmers received mattresses, hoes, and tarpaulins. Overall, approximately 350 pyrethrum farmers from Nyabihu and Rubavu Districts received awards and support items in recognition of their contribution to the development of pyrethrum production.

Pyrethrum