Rédaction Africa Links 24 with NOELINE NABUKENYA
Published on 2024-02-02 12:19:54
Buganda Kingdom Premier (Katikkiro) Charles Peter Mayiga has emphasized the importance of embracing new farming technologies in order to improve livelihoods and increase agricultural productivity. Speaking at Kituuza Village, Nkokonjeru Subcounty in Mukono District, Mr. Mayiga praised the National Coffee Research Institute (Nacori) for their role in promoting the ‘Emmwaanyi Terimba’ campaign, which advocates for coffee production in Buganda Kingdom.
Mr. Mayiga stressed the need for farmers to rely on science to cultivate the best coffee varieties that will maximize yields and lead to improved incomes. He also highlighted the potential for value-addition in the coffee industry, suggesting that different ingredients extracted from coffee beans could be utilized in various products such as cosmetics, jewelry, nutritional supplements, and more.
Furthermore, the Buganda Kingdom Premier encouraged the researchers at Nacori to continue their efforts in indigenous bird and animal research, emphasizing the importance of embracing new knowledge to boost agriculture for food security and economic growth. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Yona Baguma, the Director General at the National Agricultural Research Organization (Naro), who pledged to make agricultural technologies accessible to the public and promote health programs using Naro technologies.
The collaboration between Buganda Kingdom and Naro, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in October of the previous year, aims to leverage scientific advancements to benefit individuals engaged in agriculture. The MoU covers various aspects of agricultural research and development, from coffee value-addition to livestock, food standards testing, and specific zonal demands such as fisheries, vegetables, and poultry. The partnership seeks to disseminate research findings and promote modern farming methods to enhance the productivity and economic well-being of Uganda’s farming communities.
In addition, Dr. Baguma highlighted Naro’s efforts in developing high-density bean and sweet potato varieties that are rich in nutrients, and emphasized the importance of introducing these varieties to the market to promote the health of the people. He also pledged to promote agricultural technologies through a well-designed outreach program with the goal of alleviating poverty in local communities.
The overarching message from both Mr. Mayiga and Dr. Baguma is clear: embracing new farming technologies and scientific advancements in agriculture is crucial for enhancing livelihoods, boosting agricultural productivity, and promoting the overall well-being of farming communities in Uganda. As Buganda Kingdom continues to forge partnerships with research institutions like Naro, the potential for positive impact on the agricultural sector in the region is significant. Through the adoption of new technologies and the dissemination of research findings, the farming communities in Uganda stand to benefit from improved yields, enhanced food security, and increased economic opportunities.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
