NaSARRI to release new oil seed varieties for enhanced production

SERERE, April 26, 2025 – Following the successful release of improved oil seed varieties of groundnuts, simsim, and sunflower earlier this year, the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute [NaSARRI] is set to introduce additional varieties to the farmers early next year.

In 2021, the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF], secured funding worth USD 99.56 million from the International Fund for Agricultural Development [IFAD] to implement the seven-year National Oil Seed Project [NOSP]. The project aims to enhance the production of oil seeds among smallholder farmers.

It is anticipated that the NOSP will help Uganda reduce its trade deficit by increasing the export of both oil seeds, and their by-products, thereby boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

Dr David Okello Kalule, Programme Leader for oil commodities at NaSARRI, explained recently that part of the NOSP funding has supported the development of new seed varieties and the scaling up of existing ones, taking into account the needs of farmers.

Three groundnut varieties have already been released such as NARO-NUT 3, NARO-NUT 4, and NARO-5R, which have performed exceptionally well in more than 81 districts across the country. These varieties were developed in response to demands from the private sector.

In the case of simsim [sesame], funding is being directed towards purifying varieties initially released in 2013 and introducing two new ones, SIMSIM 1 and SIM 2. This marks the first time in many years that simsim research has received financial support.

As part of the NOSP, Dr Kalule stated that NaSARRI plans to release at least two new sunflower hybrid varieties before the end of the year.

He further noted that every seed variety has a lifespan, which underscores the need for continuous research to adapt to evolving weather patterns and environmental conditions.

However, there is growing concern over the need to involve more youth in agricultural research to strengthen the human resource capacity at the institute.

https://thecooperator.news/challenges-hinder-performance-of-national-oil-seed-project/

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