By Mark Kawalya
The South Korean Agency for International Agricultural Development (AID) has reiterated its commitment to supporting Ugandan farmers as they transition from subsistence to modern agricultural practices. At a meeting held at the NARO headquarters in Entebbe, Dr. Cho Ilho, the newly-appointed director of the Korea Partnership for Innovation in Agriculture (KOPIA) Uganda, assured Dr. Yona Baguma, director-general of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), of South Korea’s continued assistance.
Agriculture is a source of livelihood for 70 percent of Ugandans, which presents a need to bridge the performance gap through commercialization, value addition, and trade. South Korea’s assistance comes at a crucial time. KOPIA has provided substantial support over the years to NARO, focusing on enhancing various agricultural programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Significant investments totaling over Shs7.5 billion have been made in the production of potato seeds, citrus, rice, and local chicken, utilizing advanced agricultural technologies developed jointly by NARO and Korean scientists.
Notably, initiatives such as citrus production management and market development in model villages in the Teso region have received support. Additionally, interventions to boost household incomes, including the distribution of high-yielding NARO potato variety NAROPOT 1 and improved local chicken breeds, have been implemented.
Efforts have also been directed towards rice production interventions at the Doho rice scheme for seed multiplication, resulting in a substantial increase in aromatic rice production in Uganda. Farmers have been equipped with agronomic skills, leading to an increase in yields from an average of 3.1 to 4.1 tons per hectare. NARORICE-1, known for its aroma, high yield, and early maturity, has become highly sought after, contributing significantly to increased productivity and farmers’ incomes.
Dr. Baguma lauded KOPIA for its infrastructure development efforts at NARO Zonal Agricultural Research Institutes in Mukono, Kawanda, Namulonge, and Luweero. He praised KOPIA’s collaborative planning approach, which ensures that programs are tailored to meet the needs of farmers. “South Korea’s successful transition of its farmers from subsistence to modern agriculture serves as an inspiration for Uganda in its efforts to lift farmers out of poverty,” remarked Baguma. Information from the 2018 World Bank report, shows that strengthening the institutional base of agriculture, removing blockages, facilitating trade, and boosting resilience through climate-smart agriculture and low-cost irrigation systems can help close the performance gap.
