By KT Reporter
Uganda is edging closer to a major agricultural breakthrough as scientists finalize testing of new aromatic rice varieties expected to replace imported basmati and supa rice on the local market.
The innovation comes amid rising demand for aromatic rice, which has prompted researchers at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to develop high-quality, homegrown alternatives that can match imported varieties in aroma, taste, and yield.
Developed under the Promotion of Sustainable Rice Development (Eco-PRiDe) Project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the new varieties could significantly boost farmer incomes, strengthen food security, and reduce the billions of shillings Uganda spends annually on rice imports.
Dr. Jimmy Lamo, a rice breeder and Cereals Program Leader at NARO, said the varieties address long-standing challenges faced by local rice farmers.
“Aromatic rice dominates the market, but the varieties currently grown in Uganda are highly susceptible to disease and produce low yields,” Dr. Lamo said.
“We have developed improved lines using resistant parent seeds, and they are now under advanced testing across six locations, including the Doho Irrigation Scheme in Butaleja.”
Dr. Lamo made the remarks on the sidelines of the second Joint Technical Committee (JTC) meeting of the Eco-PRiDe Project, held on 11 December 2025 at City Resort Hotel in Butaleja District.
The meeting, hosted by NARO’s Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (BugiZARDI), brought together researchers, policymakers, and development partners to assess progress in sustainable rice production.
Dr. Lamo revealed that farmers, millers, and other value-chain actors are actively participating in cooking and milling evaluations as part of the final assessment process, ahead of approval by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the National Variety Release Committee.
Addressing environmental concerns associated with rice farming, Dr. Titus Alicai, Director of Research at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) and National Project Coordinator for Eco-PRiDe, said the project is developing an evidence-based blueprint to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact.
“Our goal is to increase rice production without harming the environment, while improving incomes for rural farmers,” Dr. Alicai said. “This includes producing high-quality seed, strengthening farmer knowledge on sustainable practices, and improving the entire rice value chain.”
Now in its second year, the five-year project brings together researchers, extension workers, seed companies, farmers, academia, and government agencies.
It aligns with NARO’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, particularly its focus on climate-resilient agricultural systems. Dr. Kisho Miyamoto, Chief Advisor for the Eco-PRiDe Project, said the initiative is leveraging Japan’s more than 2,000 years of experience in rice production to strengthen Uganda’s rice sector.
“We are ensuring last-mile delivery by bringing quality seed, disease-control knowledge, and sustainable production practices directly to farmers,” Dr. Miyamoto said.
He added that the project is supporting young Ugandan researchers to pursue advanced studies at Japanese universities and emphasized the Musomesa Field School approach as a key tool for strengthening the research-extension link and farmer learning.
Dr. Nasser Kasozi, Director of Research at BugiZARDI, noted that many farmers at the Doho Rice Scheme have already adopted improved production technologies introduced under the project. He said the initiative is also exploring rice–fish integration, where nutrient-rich pond water enhances rice productivity, improving both food security and household incomes.
BugiZARDI, he added, is developing a cropping calendar to improve water-use efficiency and yields. During a field inspection at the Doho Irrigation Scheme, the Joint Technical Committee observed that with new aromatic varieties nearing release and farmer-focused innovations taking root, Uganda is steadily advancing toward a more productive, competitive, and sustainable rice sector.
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