Research holds key to better farming, says Tumwebaze

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Agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze has advised farmers to work closely with researchers in order to understand and adopt the latest technologies that can improve their productivity.

Tumwebaze made the call on Saturday, April 12, while officiating at the inaugural East African Grain Council (EAGC) and National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) agribusiness expo, held at the National Crop Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Namulonge.

Organised by the EAGC and NARO, the expo aimed to provide a platform for researchers and players in the agribusiness sector to showcase outcomes from their research and innovations.

Dr Benard Yada, the head of the root crops program explains to the Minister of Agriculture, Frank Tumwebaze, the new crop varieties under his program including Purple sweet potatoes that fight cancer. (Courtesy photo)

This, according to Gerald Masila, the Executive Director of the EAGC, would in turn boost agribusiness and increase both production and productivity.

“Happy to see farmers interacting with the appropriate technologies that are most relevant to their farm needs,” said Tumwebaze through his X handle.

He later toured the facility that is manufacturing the anti-tick vaccine, a key initiative aimed at addressing the growing burden of tick-borne diseases and their negative impact on the dairy and beef industry.

At the expo, various technologies were exhibited, including new crop varieties such as maize resistant to striga (witchweed), purple sweet potatoes known to help fight cancer, and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes that combat vitamin A deficiency in children under five years and expectant mothers, among others.

Agricuture minister Frank Tumwebaze checks out the JohnDeer tractor at the NARO Grain Council Business Expo. (Courtesy photo)

Other showcased crop varieties included new rice developed with the support of Chinese researchers, as well as improved varieties of groundnuts, sorghum, and millet. A range of agricultural machinery, including tractors, was also on display.

The event brought together key stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain to exchange knowledge, highlight innovations, and promote trade.

The agribusiness expo continues to serve as a platform for showcasing agricultural research and innovation results that can boost agribusiness and enhance both production and productivity.