JINJA, Uganda — The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has been named the Best Government Institution at the 32nd National Agricultural Show in Jinja, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to agricultural research, innovation and technology dissemination.
The award was announced by the Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE) during the closing ceremony of the 10-day exhibition, which attracted thousands of exhibitors, farmers, researchers, development partners and visitors from across Uganda and the East African region.
Presenting the evaluation committee’s report, committee chairperson Benjamin Isabirye said NARO distinguished itself through cutting-edge research and practical technologies that are transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector.
“NARO has demonstrated excellence in agricultural research and technology development. It is also the government agency that has excelled in innovation dissemination and the provision of scientific solutions that support Uganda’s agricultural transformation,” Isabirye said.
Held from June 26 to July 5, the annual agricultural exhibition showcased innovations and technologies across the entire agricultural value chain, with participation from government agencies, private companies, academic institutions and farmer organizations.
NARO’s exhibition stood out for presenting a broad portfolio of research-driven innovations aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, strengthening climate resilience and promoting commercialization.
Among the technologies on display were the newly developed anti-tick vaccine, value-added banana products, coffee value chain innovations, forestry technologies, solutions for farming in semi-arid areas, climate-smart agricultural practices, improved high-yielding and nutrient-rich crop varieties, pest- and disease-resistant technologies, mechanization innovations, and the newly introduced black rice variety, which is attracting interest for its nutritional and health benefits.
The evaluation committee commended exhibitors for showcasing practical solutions capable of accelerating Uganda’s agricultural transformation.
“The quality of exhibitions reflected the country’s growing capacity in agricultural production, research, mechanization, value addition, climate-smart agriculture and agro-industrial development,” Isabirye noted.
Presiding over the closing ceremony, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Desire Muhooza, applauded UNFFE for organizing the annual show, saying it continues to advance President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s vision of transforming Uganda from subsistence agriculture to commercial farming.
She said agricultural exhibitions provide farmers with access to modern technologies, knowledge and market opportunities needed to improve productivity and household incomes.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural extension services to ensure farmers receive timely technical support while creating effective feedback mechanisms to inform policy and programme implementation.
“I want to deploy ‘battalions’ on the ground so that farmers receive the right messages while also establishing a dependable feedback mechanism that enables us to implement solutions tailored to the real challenges they face,” Muhooza said.
She also revealed that the Ministry would engage stakeholders on establishing regional agricultural exhibition centres to replicate the success of the Jinja National Agricultural Show across the country.
Recognising the growing demand for coffee planting materials, Muhooza directed NARO’s National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI) to urgently develop mechanisms to increase the production and supply of quality coffee seedlings.
During the exhibition, NARO also launched the Next Wave: Seeds of Wealth initiative, a campaign designed to build resilient and economically secure coffee farming communities in the Busoga and Bukedi sub-regions through research, innovation and improved access to quality planting materials.
Although the National Agricultural Show officially concluded on Sunday, activities at the Jinja Show Grounds continue with the annual Education Show, which runs from July 6 to 11.
Held under the theme “Youth-Driven Innovation: Growing the Future of the Agricultural Industry,” the Education Show is expected to inspire young people to embrace agriculture through innovation, agribusiness and practical learning, while showcasing career and entrepreneurship opportunities across the agricultural value chain.