The irrigation system has significantly boosted mango yields at ELIM Farm ,increasing production from 20 to 250 fruits per tree

ELIM Plus Farm Ltd, located in Nyagatare District and owned by Mr. Kizihira Alphonse, is emerging as a shining example of agricultural transformation and innovation. Spanning over 30 hectares, the farm grows a variety of crops, but its core focus is on mango farming.

With support from the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIPII), ELIM Plus Farm has witnessed a remarkable turnaround. Through a matching grant, the project supported the installation of a solar-powered irrigation system, enabling the irrigation of 1,640 mango trees planted on 8 hectares.

According to Mr. Diogene Kimenyi, a Farm Manager, the impact of this intervention has been nothing short of transformative. “ Before the irrigation system, each mango tree would yield about 20 fruits. Today, with consistent water access, we harvest between 200 and 250 mangoes per tree,” he stated. “That’s more than a tenfold increase in productivity.”

This surge in output has also revolutionized the farm’s market approach. Previously, mangoes were sold per piece or in bags. Today, sales are made by the kilogram—fetching prices between 700 and 1,000 Rwandan Francs (RWF) per kilogram, a shift that has significantly increased farm revenue.

Beyond irrigation, ELIM Plus Farm has embraced circular economy principles, thanks to training also provided through SAIP. The farm now produces organic compost using dried grass, green waste, animal manure, and water, resources that were previously discarded or underutilized.

“Without access to water, compost production would not be possible. Irrigation doesn't only support the crops—it also  supports the decomposition of the compost ” Diogene noted.

The compost, which now matures in 18 to 25 days (compared to the traditional 30 to 60 days), is not only used on the farm but also sold to other farmers, creating a new revenue stream and further promoting sustainable practices in the region.

ELIM Plus Farm currently employs 5 permanent staff and provides daily job opportunities to over 50 casual workers, playing a significant role in improving livelihoods within the local community. This employment boost reflects the wider impact of SAIP II’s interventions in Nyagatare.

Mr. Diogene encourages fellow farmers not to be afraid  from investing in mango farming if they have access to irrigation. He also urges them to harness the potential of agricultural and livestock waste

Mr. Matsiko Gonzague, Vice Mayor of Nyagatare District in charge of Economic Development and Finance for Nyagatare District , praised SAIP’s efforts, highlighting that the project has supported irrigation across 374.7 hectares, enabling farmers to cultivate through all three agricultural seasons.