NARO partners Chinese scientists to develop premium tea for export markets
FORT POTAL CITY, July 31, 2026 – The National Agricultural Research Organisation [ NARO ] has partnered with the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences [JAAS] in China to develop premium teas aimed at enhancing the marketability of one of Uganda’s major cash crops.
The landmark partnership will establish a China-Uganda joint laboratory for sustainable and highly efficient premium tea production at the Rwebitaba Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute [RwebZARDI] in Fort Portal City.
The partnership will focus on exploring and utilising unique tea germplasm from Uganda and China to support tea breeding efforts, conducting research on tea agronomy, soil fertility, pests and diseases, and promoting tea crop improvement and plant health.
It will also prioritise tea product diversification through value-addition research, standardisation of tea product specifications to meet international market requirements, and the enhancement of research infrastructure at RwebZARDI.
The initiative is expected to support capacity building through the training of tea scientists and professionals, provide technical support for the smooth implementation of the partnership, and create opportunities for future joint projects in areas of mutual interest.
RwebZARDI is Uganda’s national hub for tea research, and the new partnership is expected to boost its efforts to transform the country’s tea sector through cutting-edge research, innovation and knowledge exchange.
According to Dr Stanley Nkalubo, Director of Research at RwebZARDI, the partnership presents a major opportunity for Uganda’s tea farmers and cooperatives to benefit from their efforts.
Nkalubo recently received a plaque unveiled to mark the establishment of the joint laboratory between NARO and JAAS.
“This provides great hope for Uganda’s struggling tea sector. Farmers have always decried the low prices for tea. Now, with this technology available, we expect a positive trend for the sector,” Dr Nkalubo said.
NARO Director General Dr Yona Baguma signed the memorandum of understanding [MoU] on behalf of his organisation, while Dr Yang Yiyang signed on behalf of JAAS during an event held recently at NARO headquarters in Entebbe, Wakiso district.
The development follows a visit to China by several NARO scientists in October 2025 to attend the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance [CAASTIA] General Assembly in Beijing.
During the assembly, JAAS established a working relationship with NARO, particularly in agricultural research and innovation for development, which subsequently led to the signing of the MoU.
The partnership comes as RwebZARDI continues to advance tea research, including establishing an experimental protocol to assess the growth and promotional effects of GW1/Trichoderma on tea cuttings, with support from JAAS.
https://thecooperator.news/fao-report-examines-shocks-in-global-coffee-cocoa-and-tea-markets/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
