In aland mark move aimed to bolster seed production, National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has partnered with nine private seed companies.
At a signing ceremony in Kajjansi, NARO officially licensed the companies to multiply and distribute 13 improved potato varieties, including the high-yielding NAROPOT 7–10 bred for industrial use, capable of producing over 25 tons per hectare.
For years, farmers have struggled with poor-quality seed and the high cost of imports. With this deal, experts say, access to certified seed will become easier, cutting reliance on neighboring countries and opening new opportunities for both smallholder farmers and commercial producers.
“These varieties, some of which mature in just 90 days, will not only increase productivity but also give farmers access to markets such as food processors and large-scale buyers,” said Dr. Abbey Byarugaba of NARO’s Kachwekano Institute.
Seed companies such as FICA Seeds and KIPAL pledged to ensure wide distribution and farmer training. “Access to quality seed has been our biggest bottleneck. This partnership means farmers will finally get what they deserve,” said Mr. Narsis Tushabe of FICA Seeds.
The move also signals a shift in how agricultural research is commercialized in Uganda. NARO’s Deputy Director General for Technology Promotion, Dr. Sadik Kassim, noted that licensing agreements create a sustainable system where farmers benefit, while research institutions generate revenue to reinvest in innovation.
The varieties—ranging from the popular Rutuku to the new industrial-grade NAROPOT lines—are expected to be rolled out nationwide, with potato seed hubs planned beyond the traditional highland-growing areas.
NARO’s Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma, said the development was about more than just seed. “Quality seed is the foundation of agricultural transformation. With this milestone, we are not only feeding the nation but also securing farmers’ livelihoods and reducing dependency on imports,” he said.
The new potato varieties will be officially launched during World Food Day celebrations at NARO’s Rwebitaba Institute in Fort Portal on October 16, 2025.