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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) has embarked on the promotion of new agricultural technologies aimed at boosting production at the farm level.
NARO’s Deputy Director General in charge of agricultural technology promotion, Dr. Sadik Kassim, says that for the past decade, their work had been centered on only research and information sharing with the private sector stakeholders to foster final production into consumables.
However, he revealed that their teams have scaled up into innovating prototypes which are easily marketable to interested investors.
Sadik notes that rather than over-concentrating on only food security enhancement in communities, their innovations are geared towards agro-industrialization, which will over time result in not only sustainable job creation for youths but also ensure revenue for the government.
Sadik reveals that several manufacturers have expressed interest in their products and scientists are finalizing certification efforts, to ensure quality assurance to the final consumers before mass production.
Sadik notes that their value-addition processes are supported by grassroots farmers and other private sector players.
He said scientists at NARO have developed several herbicides for the the livestock sector.
Meanwhile, Nsadha Musobya, a renowned farmer in Kamuli district wants NARO to increase visibility within grassroots communities.
“NARO is doing so much to boost agricultural production, however, they are stationed in centralized offices limiting access to grassroots farmers, most of whom are struggling to realize profits from the agriculture industry,” he says.
The products include improved plant technologies and bio-pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, garments, confectioneries, beauty products, herbal medicines, arts and crafts, and furniture, among others.
Through their investment arm of NARO holdings, they multiply prototypes with the much-required technologies, enabling to innovative products, suitable to compete with the dynamic market trends and demands.
NARO Holdings has licensed 23 seed companies, which have been issued with over 84 seed varieties for further production and sale to final consumers.
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