KAMPALA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended agricultural scientists for their pivotal role in driving social-economic transformation through scientific research in agriculture. Speaking at the African Union Summit held at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort in Kampala, Museveni emphasized the importance of scientific research in ensuring good quality seeds and developing improved seed varieties with higher yields and enhanced resilience to diseases and drought.
“Through scientific research, we ensure good quality seeds. I salute our scientists for developing a long list of improved seed varieties with higher yields and enhanced resilience to diseases and drought,” President Museveni said.
The President noted that the government has deliberately supported agricultural research as a strategy to transition from traditional to modern commercial agriculture. He praised the scientists for developing a long list of improved seed varieties, which are laying a strong foundation for agricultural modernization across the country.
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation in Uganda. Over the last 30 years, NARO has developed a remarkable portfolio of over 1,000 technologies, innovations, and management practices. These include high-yielding and drought, disease, and climate-resilient crop varieties, which have positioned Uganda as a key player in agricultural innovation within the East African region and globally.
One of the notable achievements of NARO is in the coffee sector. The introduction of 10 coffee wilt disease-resistant varieties since 2007 has led to a resurgence in production, from a low of 2 million bags in 2005/06 to 8 million bags by 2021. In 2023/24, Uganda’s coffee export earnings reached a record high of $1.14 billion, largely attributed to increased productivity and quality.
In maize production, NARO has released over 50 varieties, including 26 stress-tolerant hybrids between 2010 and 2020. This has contributed to a steady increase in annual maize production to over 4 million metric tons. The improved varieties have also enhanced resilience to diseases and drought, ensuring food security for millions of Ugandans.
Cassava production has also benefited from NARO’s research. The release of 19 disease-resistant varieties has significantly contributed to stabilizing cassava production and ensuring food security for millions of Ugandans. The improved varieties have also improved yields and enhanced resilience to diseases.
In rice production, NARO’s efforts to promote 20 high-yielding rice varieties have helped increase rice productivity from a national average of 1.2 tons/ha to 2.2 tons/ha for upland rice and 2.5 tons/ha for lowland rice. This has moved the country closer to self-sufficiency at 70%.
The introduction of biofortified sweet potato varieties has also significantly improved nutrition among vulnerable communities. Similarly, the release of improved bean varieties, including drought-tolerant types and varieties enriched with iron and zinc, has helped address nutrition and income needs.
In the livestock sector, NARO has introduced improved goat and cattle breeds, which combine disease resistance with high milk yields. The development of an anti-tick vaccine with field-based trials determining the safety, efficacy, and effectiveness at 93.2% is also a groundbreaking innovation.
NARO’s contribution aligns with the President’s vision of leveraging science to drive agricultural transformation. Uganda’s agricultural sector, which employs the majority of the population, has shown significant progress with the adoption of these improved varieties.
The summit, attended by African leaders and key stakeholders, highlighted the importance of science, technology, and innovation in achieving food security and economic growth across the continent. President Museveni emphasized the need for collaboration among member states to enhance agricultural research, improve seed systems, and scale up climate-smart farming practices.
“Africa’s agricultural transformation requires a collective effort. We must work together to enhance agricultural research, improve seed systems, and scale up climate-smart farming practices,” President Museveni urged.
The African Union Summit aimed to review and develop a new 10-year Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan, set to run from 2026-2035. The plan seeks to accelerate agricultural transformation and improve livelihoods across the continent.
