WAKISO, February 23, 2026 — In a significant boost to national food security and nutrition, the 47th National Variety Release Committee [NVRC] has officially approved the growing of three new purple-fleshed sweet potato [PFSP] varieties—NAROSPOT 8P, 9P, and 10P—marking a major milestone in agricultural innovation journey.
The approval, granted on February 13, 2026, follows a decade of intensive research and breeding led by the Root Crops Programme at the National Crops Resources Research Institute [NaCRRI]. The meeting was hosted at the NARO-NARL in Kawanda, Wakiso district and convened regulators, breeders, and development partners committed to strengthening Uganda’s agricultural resilience.
The event represents a significant achievement for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF] in delivering climate-smart and nutritionally enhanced crop varieties tailored to Uganda’s evolving food security and public health needs.
The newly released varieties were approved for their strong agronomic performance and adaptability across Uganda’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
Dr. Benard Yada, Head of the Root Crops Program at NaCRRI, emphasised the unique nutritional profile of purple-fleshed sweet potato. Unlike conventional varieties, PFSP is rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants associated with reduced risk of certain cancers and improved cardiovascular health, making it a valuable functional food for all age groups.
“This approval is a victory for science, persistence, and public investment in nutrition and food security,” said Dr. Titus Alicai, NaCRRI’s Director of Research.
The Chair of the NVRC, Dr. Joseph Kitafunda Twine, commended the research team’s dedication while stressing the importance of accelerating seed multiplication and dissemination to ensure that smallholder farmers across Uganda can access the new varieties without delay.
Designed with nutrition at its core, NAROSPOT 8P stands out for its exceptionally high anthocyanin content. As a natural antioxidant powerhouse, it holds strong potential in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting cardiovascular health, positioning it as a true “functional food according to Twine.”
Tailored for agro-processing, NAROSPOT 9P boasts physical and chemical characteristics ideal for value addition. Its suitability for processing into flour, purees, and other functional food products makes it a promising catalyst for strengthening Uganda’s agro-industrial value chains.
Engineered for broad adaptability, NAROSPOT 10P delivers stable yields across diverse agro-ecological conditions. Its resilience ensures reliable production regardless of regional climate or soil variability, an essential trait in the face of climate change.
With the launch of NAROSPOT 8P, 9P, and 10P, NaCRRI reaffirms its commitment to transforming Ugandan agriculture through science-driven solutions that nourish both the population and the economy.
Food scientists say purple-fleshed sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense root vegetables, often called Okinawan or Stokes purple] featuring vibrant purple skin and deep purple flesh. They offer a subtly sweet, wine-like, or almond-like flavour with a denser, drier, and more floury texture than orange varieties. Highly nutritious, they are packed with anthocyanin antioxidants, potassium, and fiber.
https://thecooperator.news/egypts-sweet-potato-exports-surge-amid-growing-demand-in-europe/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country- wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
-
-
-
-
