The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has partnered with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to launch the VegeSeed project, aiming to enhance vegetable production in Uganda. This project involves the development of new vegetable varieties and the strengthening of certification systems for five key crops, namely nakati, tomato, onion, cabbage, and chilli pepper.
“The VegeSeed project is a game-changer for Uganda’s agricultural sector. We are committed to ensuring its success and sustainability,” said Dr. Sadik Kassim, NARO Deputy Director General in charge of Agricultural Technology Promotion.
Notably, the VegeSeed project, which was unveiled in 2022, has achieved a significant milestone with the transfer of greenhouses to NARO, which are expected to play a crucial role in the project’s success.
“These greenhouses are a fundamental set of infrastructure, serving as a stepping stone to the next level,” said Jihee Ahn, KOICA Country Director.
Prof. Young-Rog Yeoung, the newly appointed project manager, has expressed optimism about Uganda’s potential for vegetable production and emphasised the importance of improving farmers’ incomes.
“I have visited several NARO research institutes, and I am impressed by the breeding programs. We should leverage the good weather to export vegetables to foreign markets and improve farmers’ incomes.”
The project aims to substitute imports from Europe and Asia, currently estimated at USD 7 million, and double Uganda’s current annual vegetable production, which is estimated at 5.3 million tonnes and worth USD 34 million.
To ensure the project’s success and sustainability, NARO is committed to integrating the project facilities into their annual work plans and budgets.
“We are committed to maintaining the project facilities in operation and incorporating their operationalization into our annual work plans and budgets,” Dr. Kassim assured.
It is worth noting that the VegeSeed project is being implemented at various NARO research institutes throughout Uganda, including the National Crop Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Namulonge, the Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MuZARDI) in Ntawo, Mukono district, and the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NaRL) at Kawanda, Wakiso district.
