The Ministry of Agriculture and Korea have launched a project known as “Development of Africa Rice Seed Cultivation Complex in Uganda” that will boost production of rice in the Tochi Irrigation Scheme.
This 5-year project will enable the Government of Uganda, through MAAIF, to rehabilitate 50 hectares on Block 5 of the scheme, which is located in Oyam District. The project will also enable farmers to access 13,000 metric tons of quality rice seed Project interventions in the form of civil works, capacity building, technology transfer and enhanced access to quality seed, are also aimed at achieving an annual yield of 2,158,000 metric tons by 2028.
This project is supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA).With the introduction of this project, Uganda joins 6 other African countries which include Senegal , Gambia, Guinea , Ghana , Cameroon and Kenya as part of the Korea Rice Belt Program.
Rice production in Uganda is a growing agricultural sector, driven by government support and increasing demand as a food staple and income source for smallholder farmers. While production has significantly increased, exceeding 347,000 MT in 2022, it has recently declined to 260,000 MT in 2023 due to factors like Climate change variability and market dynamics, resulting in continued demand exceeding supply and making Uganda a net importer of rice. Production is primarily driven by expanding land use, but challenges remain with low yields, inconsistent supply, high costs, and limited access to capital.
The government recognizes rice as a strategic crop for food security and poverty reduction, as highlighted in the National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS) and the
Growing Demand: Rice consumption is rising, with increasing numbers of farmers growing it as an income source and a staple, particularly in urban areas.
Production Growth and Fluctuation: Uganda has seen significant production growth since 2000, peaking at 347,000 MT in 2022, though this declined to 260,000 MT in 2023.