BUTALEJA, Uganda — Ugandan scientists are nearing an agricultural breakthrough with new aromatic rice varieties set to replace commonly imported basmati and supa rice. The varieties could significantly boost farmer incomes and reduce the country’s reliance on costly imports.
The varieties were developed by researchers at the National Agricultural Research Organization, or NARO, under the Promotion of Sustainable Rice Development, or Eco-PRiDe, Project, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA.
Dr. Jimmy Lamo, a rice breeder and cereals program leader at NARO, said the innovation addresses market demand while tackling long-standing farming challenges.
“These aromatic varieties dominate the market, but the ones currently grown in Uganda are highly susceptible to disease and give low yields,” Lamo said. “We have now developed improved lines using resistant parent seeds. They are under advanced testing across six locations including Doho Irrigation Scheme in Butaleja.”
Lamo made the remarks on the sidelines of the second Joint Technical Committee Meeting of the Eco-PRiDe Project, held Dec. 11 at City Resort Hotel in Butaleja District. The meeting was hosted by NARO’s Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, or BugiZARDI.
As part of the final assessment before approval by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the National Variety Release Committee, farmers, millers and value chain actors are participating in cooking and milling evaluations, Lamo said.
Dr. Titus Alicai, director of research at the National Crops Resources Research Institute and National Project Coordinator for Eco-PRiDe, noted that the five-year project is focused on sustainability.
“We want to increase rice production without harming the environment, while improving incomes for rural farmers,” he explained. This work includes producing high-quality seed and strengthening farmer knowledge on sustainable cultivation.
Dr. Kisho Miyamoto, the Chief Advisor for the Eco-PRiDe project, said the team is leveraging Japan’s more than 2,000 years of rice production experience.
“More importantly, we are ensuring last-mile delivery, bringing quality seed, disease control knowledge, and sustainable cultural practices directly to farmers,” Kisho said. He highlighted the Musomesa Field School approach, which aims to strengthen farmer learning.
Dr. Nasser Kasozi, director of research at BugiZARDI, noted that many farmers at Doho Rice Scheme have already adopted improved production technologies. He added that the project is also exploring rice-fish integration technologies to use nutrient-rich fish pond water to boost rice productivity.
Following a site inspection at Doho Irrigation Scheme, the committee concluded that with the new aromatic varieties nearing release and farmer-focused innovations taking root, Uganda is advancing toward a more productive, competitive and sustainable rice sector.
