UGANDA – The South Korean Agency for International Agricultural Development reaffirmed its dedication to aiding the country’s transition from subsistence to contemporary agriculture.
The pledge was made by Dr. Cho Ilho, the newly appointed Director of the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) Uganda, during a recent meeting with Dr. Yona Baguma, Director General of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), held in Entebbe.
Taking over from Dr. Park Taeson, who completed a five-year stint in Uganda, Dr. Cho’s commitment signals a continued alliance between KOPIA and NARO.
Throughout the years, KOPIA has been a stalwart supporter of NARO, injecting over UGX 7.5 billion into various agricultural initiatives.
These endeavors span from potato seed production to enhancing rice cultivation, facilitated by advanced technologies jointly developed by NARO and Korean experts.
The impact of this collaboration has been palpable, especially in regions like Teso, where model villages have sprouted, aiding farmers in citrus production management and market expansion.
Noteworthy interventions, such as the distribution of high-yield potato varieties and improved chicken breeds, have significantly bolstered household incomes.
Moreover, concerted efforts have been directed towards rice farming at the Doho rice scheme, where seed multiplication initiatives have led to a surge in aromatic rice production.
Equipped with enhanced agronomic skills, farmers have seen a substantial increase in yields, epitomized by the sought-after NARORICE-1, celebrated for its aroma and early maturity, fetching better prices and uplifting farmers’ livelihoods.
Dr. Baguma applauded KOPIA’s infrastructural projects at various NARO Zonal Agricultural Research Institutes, emphasizing the tailored approach that ensures programs align with farmers’ needs.
He expressed Uganda’s eagerness to learn from South Korea’s successful transition from subsistence to modern agriculture, aiming to replicate this success story to alleviate poverty among farmers.
Recognizing the pivotal role of skill development, Dr. Baguma pledged space for the construction of a farmer’s skilling center, emphasizing NARO’s commitment to enhancing agricultural practices across the country.
Currently, NARO oversees sixteen Public Agricultural Research Institutes, focusing on research that addresses national agricultural priorities.
NARO’s strategic plans, spanning a decade, provide a roadmap for research endeavors, with the current plan centered on market-oriented research to drive agro-industrialization.
Priorities include mechanization, nutrition, genetic resource management, market technologies, post-harvest handling, policy development, and capacity building.
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