Uganda\u2019s potato sector is set for a major transformation following the handover of 13 improved potato varieties by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to nine private seed companies for large-scale multiplication and distribution to farmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among these are the newly released NAROPOT 7\u201310, bred specifically for industrial use and capable of yielding over 25 tons per hectare, aimed at reducing Uganda\u2019s dependence on imported potatoes. Other varieties include Uganda 11 (Rutuku), Victoria, KACHPOT 1, and NAROPOT 1\u20136\u2014notably NAROPOT 4 (Rwangume).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The licensing agreements were signed at NARO\u2019s Aquatic Research and Development Centre in Kajjansi, marking a key step in the institution\u2019s commercialization strategy to expand farmers\u2019 access to high-quality seed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The nine licensed companies include FICA Seeds, Kabale Irish Potato Agri-business Limited (KIPAL), Okeba Uganda Limited, Parlex Enterprise Uganda Limited, Tabid Farm Seeds Africa Limited, Ujamma Seed Company Limited, CADCA Seeds Limited, Sterling Seeds Limited, and Syova Seeds (U) Limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Sadik Kassim, NARO\u2019s Deputy Director General for Technology Promotion, said the agreements not only guarantee a reliable supply of certified seed but also generate revenue to support research and innovation. He highlighted that potatoes are the first vegetatively propagated crop to be handed to private seed firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NARO Director General Dr. Yona Baguma emphasized the central role of seed in boosting productivity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWithout quality seed, there can be no sustainable agricultural transformation. This milestone affirms our mission to feed the nation, increase farmer incomes, and secure national food systems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He urged the companies to ensure farmers receive agronomic training to unlock the varieties\u2019 full potential, while pledging continued support in seed quality diagnostics and distribution networks across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Representatives from NARO\u2019s Kachwekano Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute noted that the new varieties mature in just 90 days, making them ideal for both smallholders and commercial farms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Private sector players welcomed the move. Narsis Tushabe, Managing Director of FICA Seeds, said that access to quality seed has long been a challenge, forcing reliance on imports from neighboring countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis partnership gives us the opportunity to empower farmers with reliable seed and reduce imports,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The varieties will be officially launched on World Food Day, October 16, 2025, at NARO\u2019s Rwebitaba Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute in Fort Portal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Uganda\u2019s potato sector is set for a major transformation following the handover of 13 improved potato varieties by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to nine private seed companies for large-scale multiplication and distribution to farmers. Among these are the newly released NAROPOT 7\u201310, bred specifically for industrial use and capable of yielding over 25 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8864,"featured_media":40774,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_paywall_metabox":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[101,98],"tags":[31,8687,109,119],"class_list":["post-40773","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","category-news","tag-featured","tag-naro","tag-news","tag-uganda-news"],"yoast_head":"\n