NARO and China sign MoU to boost food production

KAMPALA, October 23, 2024 – Uganda, through the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO], has signed an Agricultural Production Cooperation Agreement with the Government of China aimed at increasing food production in the country.

The agreement, signed yesterday, includes the establishment of a China Centre of Excellence focused on livestock, crops, and fish production. This centre will be located at the National Crops Resources Research Institute [NACRRI] in Namulonge and will prioritise the growth of perennial rice, allowing farmers to achieve high yields.

The new rice variety, once planted, will enable farmers to harvest for up to 15 years with proper management. Dr. Yona Baguma, Director General of NARO, emphasised that this innovation will significantly enhance productivity and contribute to sustainable food security in Uganda.

“This is a game changer for addressing the increasing population, supporting industries that rely on rice as a raw material, and ensuring nutritional security,” he said during the MoU signing at Namulonge in Wakiso district. “Proper management of the rice field will reduce labour, increase returns on investment, and maximise land use.”

Baguma said NACRRI is committed to breeding resilient crops that secure food production and promote smart agricultural practices. The new rice innovation challenges traditional methods, aiming to change the status quo in rice production and enhance the commercial viability of the crop.

Rice cultivation has become increasingly popular in various regions of Uganda, particularly in low-lying and swampy areas where it serves as both a commercial cash crop and a food source. In Eastern Uganda and parts of the mid-west, rice is widely grown, while upland rice is more prevalent in Buganda, Northern Uganda, and Kigezi.

https://thecooperator.news/naro-enhances-nutrition-of-farmers-through-fortified-beans/