As climate change continues to impact agricultural productivity, the introduction of drought-resistant seed varieties is becoming increasingly vital for safeguarding production and enhancing resilience to these environmental shifts.
Earlier this year, Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) unveiled eight new crop varieties, a milestone reached over a span of three years.
The initiative is part of a project focused on advancing the adoption and commercialization of enhanced crop varieties and livestock technologies, known as the Feed the Future Uganda agriculture research activity, which is funded by USAID.
The state minister for agriculture, Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, highlighted that enhanced seed varieties have greatly contributed to a rise in agricultural output and have also bolstered the country’s resilience to climate-related challenges.
“With the promotion of improved seed varieties that are disease- and pest-resistant, we have seen increased resilience against climate shocks. Crops such as coffee, beans, maize, cassava, groundnuts, millet, and rice, among others are now yielding higher, ensuring food security for our farmers and their communities,” he noted.
The minister, speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre today October 14, 2024, ahead of the World Food Day celebration set for October 16, 2024, emphasized that this occasion serves not only as a global observance but also as an opportunity to evaluate the advancements made in combating hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition.
He highlighted the critical importance of agriculture in the nation’s development, noting that the goals of this day are closely aligned with our national priorities for achieving food security and enhancing livelihoods.
This year’s celebration will revolve around the theme: “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future.”
“This reminds us that access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food is not merely an aspiration—it is a fundamental human right. It also highlights the need for collaborative efforts between government, farmers, the private sector, civil society, and all Ugandans to ensure that every citizen has access to food that is essential for their health and well-being,” Kyakulaga noted.
The national event will be hosted at the NARO’s National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) in Serere District.
NaSARRI beholds a rich history spanning 102 years of pioneering agricultural research in Uganda.
He explained that NaSARRI Has played an invaluable role in reviving orphaned crops like millet and sorghum, which are critical for food security, particularly in the semi-arid regions of our country.
“Sorghum, in particular, has been identified as beneficial for diabetic patients, as it helps reduce blood sugar levels. These crops are also rich in vital nutrients, ensuring that we not only have enough to eat but also eat well to live healthier lives. NaSARRI’s work exemplifies the connection between agricultural research and the right to food, as they develop resilient crop varieties that meet the nutritional needs of our population while ensuring food security for future generations,” he added.
Achievements in agriculture
Kyakulaga emphasized the significant progress the nation has achieved in the agricultural sector, which continues to serve as the foundation of our economy.
Data reveals that agriculture accounts for 24% of our GDP and employs approximately 70% of the population.
He underscored that, over the years, the country has made considerable advancements in areas such as irrigation and mechanization, thanks to focused government initiatives.
“Our investment in irrigation schemes such as Doho, Mubuku, and Agoro has enabled farmers to produce food year-round, independent of seasonal rainfall. Additionally, mechanization hubs have made farming more efficient, empowering farmers across the country,” he noted.
He said the country is actively expanding its fisheries and aquaculture sectors, ensuring that fish, a vital source of protein, remains accessible and affordable for the population, stressing that the establishment of fish landing sites and the promotion of aquaculture have significantly enhanced livelihoods and bolstered food security.
Additionally, the government has prioritized the reduction of post-harvest losses by supporting the creation of agro-processing facilities, enabling farmers to maximize the value of their products and contribute to food security through value addition.
He noted that research institutions, particularly the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), play a crucial role in developing improved, climate-resilient crop varieties.
He said the institutions are essential in ensuring that agricultural systems adapt to challenges while providing food that fulfills the nutritional requirements of the community.
Kyakulaga emphasized that in response to emerging challenges such as climate change, the government is dedicated to increasing investments in climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, and sustainable water management to address these issues effectively.
“We also need to address malnutrition, especially among vulnerable groups, such as children and women. The government will continue to promote the cultivation and consumption of nutritious food, ensuring that every Ugandan can lead a healthy and productive life. NARO had led the way in researching and releasing crop varieties with enhanced nutritious value like potatoes, beans, banana among others,” he noted
He encouraged all Ugandans to adopt contemporary, sustainable agricultural methods and called on the private sector to persist in investing in value addition and agro-processing.
He praised organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Food Rights Alliance, and the World Food Programme (WFP), among others, for their ongoing commitment and contributions to enhancing food, animal feed, and nutrition security in Uganda.
