Uganda researchers sign pact with Japan to roll out anti-drought technology

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The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has signed a partnership with Ac-Planta Inc., a Tokyo-based agri-bio-venture company, to promote a technology that protects crops from drought.

The product called SKEEPON, is a super material which keeps plants growing under drought conditions. It was developed through a collaborative partnership between Japan and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).

The product stimulates plants to withstand drought, heat, and salinity, and envisions a future where communities around the world enjoy clean water, fresh air, and abundant healthy food, according to Dr Godfrey Asea, who is working on the product with Prof. Jong-Myong Kim from Japan. 

The targeted crops include maize, coffee, and vegetables, among others.

At the signing event, Asea called for the establishment of a local factory to produce the technologies in Uganda in order to reduce costs and improve access for farmers.

Under the MOU, attention will go towards equipping the human resources with the necessary skills on how best to use the technology.

The MoU also provides for joint initiatives in extension, exhibitions, farm clinics, and policy advocacy, all aimed at accelerating the adoption of innovations and strengthening Uganda’s agricultural systems.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NARO Director General Dr Yona Baguma described the agreement as a milestone in leveraging global plant science to address the challenges of climate change and food security.

“This partnership fits very well into our focus on promoting agriculture that is resilient to climate change, as experienced in the current times,” he said.

He commended the longstanding cordial relations between Uganda and Japan, which have provided a platform for partnerships between NARO and various Japanese institutions for the benefit of local communities.

The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Ac-Planta Inc., Prof. Jong-Myong Kim, who signed the agreement on behalf of his company, expressed optimism about the collaboration.

“Our vision is to contribute to a world of sustainable abundance through plant science. Partnering with NARO allows us to translate our research into practical solutions for communities in Uganda and across the world,” he said.

The signing was also witnessed by the Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, Takuya Sasayama, who noted that the effects of climate change are now a global concern that requires urgent remedies.

Dignitaries at the events included: directors from NARO in charge of Research Coordination, Agricultural Technology Promotion, Finance, Corporate Services, and Human Resources, as well as officials from Ac-Planta and other stakeholders.