NARO and Tooro Kingdom partner to boost agriculture in region

FORT PORTAL CITY, September 17, 2024 — The National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO] has signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with Tooro Kingdom to advance agricultural development in the Tooro sub-region.

NARO Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma announced that this partnership, building on NARO’s 30 years of agricultural research and innovation, will introduce advanced technologies and tailored solutions to the people of Tooro.

“With 16 public research institutes under NARO, including the Rwebitaba Institute in Tooro, we are committed to delivering technologies suited to Uganda’s diverse agro-ecological zones,” said Baguma.

The Rwebitaba Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute [RwebiZARDI] in Kabarole district will be central to this initiative. It will work in tandem with government agricultural extension services to ensure farmers receive the technical support needed to adopt NARO’s innovations.

“The partnership will leverage NARO’s research on high-yielding, disease-resistant crop varieties, improved livestock breeds, better pasture varieties, and disease management,” Baguma said during the MoU signing at Tooro Kingdom’s parliament in Mucwa, Fort Portal City.

The interventions will support agricultural modernisation, climate-smart practices, and the promotion of high-value crops such as macadamia nuts, cashew nuts, Hass avocados, and cocoa.

“NARO’s efforts in conservation agriculture and value addition technologies aim to enhance production, income, and climate resilience for farmers,” Baguma added.

He also highlighted the potential of integrating agriculture with Tooro’s tourism sector by establishing agri-tourism hubs. He said under this arrangement, visitors will be able to engage in farming activities, learn about indigenous practices, and experience value-added products like specialty tea, coffee, honey, and dairy products. This initiative, he said, will not only enrich Tooro’s cultural and natural heritage but also provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Tooro Kingdom Premier, Steven Kiyingi welcomed the MoU, noting its significance in addressing the high stunting rate in the region, which currently stands at 38.7 percent.

“Tooro sub-region, despite being a major food producer, faces one of the highest stunting rates among children under five,” Kiyingi said. “We hope this MoU will enable the Kingdom to leverage NARO’s technologies to combat this challenge.”

Kiyingi emphasised that stunting has detrimental effects on cognitive development, impacting overall economic and human development.

In the forestry sector, NARO will focus on propagating fast-growing, high-yielding tree varieties to meet the demand for timber, firewood, and other forest products, while supporting reforestation and afforestation efforts.

Additionally, NARO’s research in value addition will promote the processing of forest products such as honey, mushrooms, and medicinal plants, creating alternative income opportunities for rural communities.

https://thecooperator.news/tooro-leaders-empowered-with-nutrition-governance-skills/