Lira, Uganda — Farmers in the Lango sub-region of Northern Uganda are being encouraged to visit Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (ZARDI) for certified seed testing and expert agronomic guidance to boost productivity and ensure food security.
During a field tour organized for selected journalists on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Frank Mugabe, the Communication Officer at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), called on farmers to adopt modern farming technologies and practices. He emphasized that farmers now have access to high-quality seeds that are resistant to pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions—key factors in improving yields.
“Farmers must stop using untested seeds and instead embrace certified seed testing at our 16 zonal operational areas,” Mugabe stressed.
Mr. Samson Obong, an agro-technician at Ngetta ZARDI, echoed the call, urging farmers to take advantage of the institute’s seed testing services. He noted that Ngetta ZARDI has the capacity to test seeds and advise farmers on the most suitable varieties for their respective regions.
However, Obong expressed concern over the low number of farmers utilizing these services. He highlighted the need for increased farmer education and awareness about the benefits of certified seeds and proper agronomic practices.
“Many farmers are still unaware of the importance of seed testing, and that’s a major setback,” Obong added.
Mugabe further emphasized that adopting improved seeds and modern farming technologies would not only increase crop yields but also enhance household incomes and contribute to the regional food basket.
As part of its outreach and education strategy, NARO empowered over 20 journalists in the Lango sub-region during a recent engagement held at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City. The session aimed to equip journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to accurately report on agricultural research and innovations.
Patrick Okino, a journalist with Vision Group, encouraged his fellow media professionals to disseminate the information gained to farmers through their various platforms, highlighting the media’s role in transforming agriculture.
