DRC: 36 sites assessed for the production of improved agricultural seeds

Kinshasa, April 7^th, 2026 (CPA) – A total of 36 sites of the Center for Improvement, Adaptation and Production of Improved Agricultural Seeds (CAAPSA) have been assessed following expert missions carried out across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Minister in charge of Agriculture and Food Security announced on Tuesday in Kinshasa, during a workshop presenting reports on the 2025–2026 agricultural campaign. “Thirty-six sites of the Center for Improvement, Adaptation and Production of Improved Seeds (CAAPSA) have been diagnosed, and 11 centers of the National Institute for Study and Research (INERA) evaluated nationwide,” said Muhindo Nzangi, Minister in charge of Agriculture, during the presentation of mission reports on the 2025–2026 agricultural campaign. The minister noted that these figures reflect a methodical, rigorous and essential effort undertaken to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the agricultural sector. “This step marks significant progress in the modernization of agriculture and the enhancement of research centers,” he stated, adding that it paves the way for policies better adapted to field realities and producers’ needs. The presentation of expert mission reports demonstrates a strategic vision and a constant commitment to improving agricultural conditions, a guarantee of food security and sustainable development, the minister stressed. “This approach proves that Congolese agriculture is at the heart of national priorities, and that with rigorous monitoring, it can become a real driver of growth and prosperity,” he said, adding that the exercise reflects a clear will to strengthen transparency and efficiency in monitoring the agricultural campaign. For his part, the Secretary-General in charge of Agriculture, Benjamin Toirambe, said that this accountability exercise constitutes an important step for the ministry. He indicated that, through these missions, governors, via the State Minister in charge of Agriculture, mobilized the necessary resources to support the deployment of experts throughout the national territory. He further specified that the reports provided an objective assessment of staff and administrative services, faithfully presented field data, and identified lessons learned to address shortcomings. The head of administration urged stakeholders to make the necessary amendments to ensure the success of the 2026 agricultural campaign and to correct weaknesses ahead of 2027. It should be recalled that these expert missions follow the launch of the 2025–2026 agricultural campaign in August 2025 in the Menkao agricultural zone, located in Maluku commune, northeast of Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC.