Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) unveiled a range of new crop varieties aimed at enhancing livestock and agricultural productivity. The innovative varieties promise to boost both milk and beef production for cattle through two drought-resistant fodder options.
The research also yielded novel rice, maize, and sweet potato varieties. During the announcement, NARO’s Director General, Yona Baguma, highlighted that the new rice variety is the latest addition to Uganda’s aromatic rice varieties.
Here is a breakdown of the newly unveiled crop varieties:
| Crop Variety | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | High yield potential (more than 36 tons per hectare), early maturation, and resistance to diseases. |
| Maize Varieties | Known for resilience, high yields, and resistance to diseases and pests. |
| Rice Variety | Aromatic, contributing to the country’s rice self-sufficiency. |
The announcement took place during the 44th World Food Day at the National Coffee Research Institute in Mukono district, themed “Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave no one behind.” Notably, the event drew dignitaries from organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), and the European Union (EU).
Yona Baguma, NARO’s Director General, underlined their dedication to advancing agriculture across various sectors, including crops, forestry, fisheries, and livestock. This commitment aligns with the “four Fs” – food, feed, fuel, and fiber.
NARO’s research efforts have not only resulted in the development of disease-resistant crop varieties but have also successfully controlled water hyacinths in national waterways, leading to increased fish yields—a significant contributor to the nation’s economy.
Furthermore, NARO’s contributions extend to developing anti-tick vaccines and vaccines for diseases like African swine fever and Foot and Mouth disease. They have promoted resilient maize and high-yielding rice varieties, leading to increased agricultural productivity in Uganda.
Baguma revealed that NARO’s research into wheat varieties is ongoing, potentially reducing the need for wheat imports. The organization has also developed sorghum varieties suitable for the brewing industry, fostering partnerships with breweries.
Overall, NARO has released 289 crop varieties, substantially enhancing food security, increasing farmers’ incomes, and benefiting the nation. Baguma emphasized that these varieties are rich in essential nutrients.
However, NARO faces funding challenges, as their strategic plan calls for an annual budget of sh300 billion but currently operates with sh166 billion. The funding gap is around sh144 billion per year, hindering their ability to generate new agricultural technologies.
Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, lauded NARO’s transformative efforts in agriculture. He called for increased innovation among Ugandans to boost food production and milk for both local consumption and export.
According to FAO Uganda Country Representative Antonio Querido, achieving sustainable development depends on adequate food production, which, in turn, relies on water resources. He emphasized the need to protect water ecosystems and aquatic food systems from the climate crisis’s impacts and to invest in efficient water technologies like irrigation and storage to ensure a resilient society.
