Uganda's National Agricultural Research Organisation transferred thirteen potato varieties to nine private seed companies during a September 22 ceremony at Kajjansi. The varieties feature newly developed NAROPOT 7 through 10, which target industrial applications and produce over 25 tons per hectare. Additional varieties comprise Uganda 11, Victoria, KACHPOT 1, and NAROPOT 1 through 6. Companies receiving licenses encompass FICA Seeds, Kabale Irish Potato Agri-business Limited, Okeba Uganda Limited, Parlex Enterprise Uganda Limited, and five others. This partnership represents the first vegetatively propagated crop transferred through NARO's commercialization program.
The initiative builds upon NARO's 2017 establishment of an Intellectual Property and Commercialization Unit. Ten companies initially joined in 2021, expanding to 26 organizations by 2024 across various agricultural technologies. Officials emphasized that quality seeds form the foundation of agricultural productivity and farmer income enhancement. The new varieties mature within 90 days, appealing to both smallholder and commercial producers. World Food Day celebrations will officially launch these varieties at Fort Portal on October 16.
The initiative builds upon NARO's 2017 establishment of an Intellectual Property and Commercialization Unit. Ten companies initially joined in 2021, expanding to 26 organizations by 2024 across various agricultural technologies. Officials emphasized that quality seeds form the foundation of agricultural productivity and farmer income enhancement. The new varieties mature within 90 days, appealing to both smallholder and commercial producers. World Food Day celebrations will officially launch these varieties at Fort Portal on October 16.
