Stakeholders engage to spur rice production in Uganda

ENTEBBE, May 20, 2025 –– Stakeholders in Uganda’s rice value chain have raised concerns about the lack of a clearly defined rice seed roadmap to increase production of the cereal grain.

A recent session held at the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO] offices in Entebbe Town, Wakiso district, had participants from various sectors, including seed companies, scientists NARO, representatives of farmer groups, seed multipliers, and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture focus on the current status of the rice sector in Uganda , and strategies for sustainable growth to meet local demand and international demand.

Simon Alibu from the National Crop Resources Research Institute [NaCRRI] outlined key challenges facing the sector, notably poor seed quality and limited market access, which are significant obstacles to improving rice productivity in Uganda.

“Seed quality deficiencies, agricultural inefficiencies, and market access limitations are critical issues hindering our rice sector,” Alibu said.

He added, “A strategic blueprint aimed at boosting productivity, improving seed quality standards, expanding market reach, fostering human capital development, and reinforcing the sector’s sustainability is needed.”

Dr Arthur Wasukira, Technical Coordinator at Technology for African Agricultural Transformation [TAAT], reiterated the commitment of the private sector and civil society to transforming Uganda’s rice farming landscape.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening networks, upgrading existing platforms, and promoting climate-smart agriculture.
“We are dedicated to championing high-yield rice variants, empowering seed producers, integrating mechanisation solutions, and ushering in a new era of digital innovation in rice farming practices,” he stated.

Dr Sadik Kassim, Director General of NARO, applauded development partners such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA], AfricaRice, and the Korea Programme on International Agriculture [KOPIA] for their support in advancing Uganda’s rice sector.

He urged farmers to join cooperatives such as the Uganda National Farmers Federation [UNFFE], highlighting the potential benefits of integrating rice cultivation with livestock farming.

Kassim stressed the need for a coherent roadmap to address sector-wide challenges, including the high cost of seeds and production. He advocated for a pragmatic target of 75 percent self-sufficiency in rice, rather than aiming for full self-reliance immediately.

He also called on the government to support scientific research aimed at developing methods to grow rice outside of wetlands, in line with the Presidential directive halting wetland cultivation, particularly by rice farmers.

“We need clearer regulations on wetlands to balance food production with environmental conservation. Government backing is essential for scientists to create smarter, more sustainable rice-growing techniques,” he said.

In response to the adverse effects of climate change, the President directed the Ministries of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Environment to suspend rice cultivation in wetlands.

Wetlands, which are critical catchment areas supporting biodiversity and ecosystem balance, have been heavily encroached upon by rice farmers and other human activities.

Emmanuel Ogwal, representing the Ministry of Agriculture emphasised the importance of aligning the National Rice Development Strategy [NRDS] with the Rice Seed Roadmap.

“Our goals include achieving self-sufficiency, increasing household incomes, and harmonising with regional and continental rice development frameworks,” Ogwal stated.

John Ereng, a representative from Rikolto, an organisation promoting sustainable food systems in Africa, shared perspectives on incentivising farmers to adopt modern, climate-resilient practices.

“We introduced the Private-Financed Climate-Smart Lending [CSL] programme to give farmers access to capital and training in Good Agricultural Practices [GAP] and digital tools,” he said.

He added that the private sector aims to foster continuous engagement of firms across the supply chain and enable digital supply chain financing, replacing cash-based input payments with digital alternatives.

“Improving productivity is not just about using machines; creating decent work environments and fostering positive attitudes among workers also makes a significant difference,” he said.

NaCRRI is expected to finalise the rice seed roadmap soon. This plan will address persistent challenges, including seed quality issues and the rising costs of production that have discouraged many farmers.

Government under the Agriculture sector Strategic plan recognises rice as a priority and strategic crop with potential to improve food security and incomes of about 400,000 smallholder farmers. It has increasing importance as a food staple replacing the traditional staples such as bananas in the urban diet.

Over the last decade, rice production has been increasing annually at an average rate of 7.33 percent owing to growth in acreage and promotional initiatives by government and development agencies. Various lowland and upland rice varieties are currently grown, and these include but are not limited to NERICA 1, 4 & 10, TDX305 [Supa], K85 [Kaiso], NamChe, Sindano, K98 [Supa China], K95 [Nylon], Kibuyu, Benenego and Supa America [IR64].

The current rice productivity lies below the potential with lowland and upland variety yields lagging below the potential by about 45 percent and 67 percent respectively.

Current rice demand is estimated at 230,000MT and 383,000MT for milled rice and paddy rice respectively, and has been increasing at an average rate of 10.3 percent for paddy and 5.79 percent for milled rice annually. The increase is driven by population growth, increasing urbanisation, changing eating habits and preferences with rice considered a superior food as well as the increasing installed milling capacity of new players and existing ones.

https://thecooperator.news/lira-farmers-embrace-integrated-rice-fish-farming-system/

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