The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has unveiled a new purple-fleshed sweet potato variety and an agricultural technology and innovation centre aimed at improving food production, nutrition and farmers’ access to research.
The two innovations were launched by Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze during World Food Day celebrations on Friday at Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MbaZARDI).
The sweet potato variety, developed by scientists at NARO’s Namulonge research station, contains vitamins A and C and anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds responsible for the purple colour of the flesh.
Dr Bernard Yada, a plant breeder at Namulonge who led the research, said the variety could contribute to improved nutrition because of its antioxidant content.
He said the compounds help protect cells against oxidative stress, which is associated with the development of some chronic diseases.
The second innovation, the One-Stop Centre for Agricultural Technology and Innovation, is intended to strengthen the link between agricultural research and farmers by providing a platform for developing and disseminating technologies.
NARO Deputy Director General Dr Sadiki Kasim said the centre would also support biotechnology innovations aimed at protecting livestock against external disease threats.
Launching the innovations, Tumwebaze challenged farmers to adopt a broader approach to agricultural production that considers food security, livestock security, household incomes and environmental protection.
He said farmers needed to balance production with the sustainable management of natural resources to maintain agricultural productivity.
Emmanuel Rutasimbwa, representing the World Food Programme country director, urged researchers to ensure that new agricultural technologies reach the farmers who need them most.
He said drought-tolerant crop varieties and other research innovations would contribute to food security only if they reached farmers, particularly women who play a central role in food production.
Rutasimbwa welcomed the establishment of the One-Stop Centre, describing it as an important link between research and practical agricultural production.
However, he cautioned that women must be included in the development and distribution of agricultural innovations.
Farmers also welcomed the innovations, saying closer collaboration with research institutions could help translate scientific findings into improved production and household incomes.
Innocent Arinaitwe Kasisi commended the government for promoting policies that seek to improve both food and income security among farmers.
Asaph Mugumya, speaking on behalf of farmers, said they were ready to work with MbaZARDI to implement research findings and adopt technologies developed at the institute.
” The celebrations also marked 100 years of MbaZARDI’s agricultural research and development work in the Ankole sub-region, where the institute serves farmers across 13 districts.
Over the century, the institute has contributed to agricultural research, including crop improvement, livestock breeding and dairy development. Its work is intended to improve productivity and support the livelihoods of farming communities across southwestern Uganda.
The launch of the sweet potato variety and the innovation centre comes as Uganda seeks to improve food and nutrition security while strengthening farmers’ resilience to climate-related challenges and expanding the commercial potential of agriculture-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
