Agro-Industrialisation Drive: NARO Boss Visits Psalms Food Industries

The Director General of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), Dr. Yona Baguma, has paid a business visit to Psalms Food Industries Limited, the producers of the popular Sumz snacks brand, in a move that underscores the growing collaboration between agricultural research and industrial growth in Uganda.

The visit took place at Psalms Food Industries’ newly established and expanded production facility in Nkoowe, Wakiso District, where the company is scaling up operations to meet an ever-increasing demand for its products on both local and regional markets.

Strengthening Agro-Industrialisation

Psalms Food Industries has carved a niche in Uganda’s snack production sector, and a major driver of its success has been its ability to source raw materials directly from Ugandan farmers. Many of these farmers are beneficiaries of technologies and improved varieties developed by NARO, ranging from high-yielding cassava and maize to quality groundnuts and potatoes.

Dr. Baguma commended the company for taking the bold step to invest in modern production infrastructure, saying this directly contributes to the country’s agro-industrialisation agenda as championed under Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Parish Development Model.

“This partnership illustrates how research innovations can be transformed into industrial growth, jobs, and better incomes for farmers. It is a model that should be scaled up to link science, farmers, and industry for national development,” Dr. Baguma remarked during the visit.

Creating Market Opportunities for Farmers

The symbiotic relationship between Psalms Food Industries and NARO-backed farmers ensures a consistent supply of high-quality raw materials while providing a ready market that guarantees incomes for rural households. By integrating NARO’s technologies into its supply chain, the company reduces production costs, improves efficiency, and enhances product quality.

This model is particularly crucial at a time when Uganda is prioritising value addition to agricultural products as a way of reducing post-harvest losses and increasing exports. Psalms’ expansion means more farmers will benefit from reliable contracts, thus accelerating rural transformation.

With the commissioning of its new facility in Nkoowe, Psalms Food Industries is expected to increase production capacity, diversify product lines, and penetrate wider markets. The plant is fitted with advanced processing technology designed to meet international standards, positioning the company to compete regionally.

Dr. Baguma pledged NARO’s continued support to such initiatives, noting that the organisation is committed to ensuring that agricultural research does not stop at the laboratory but finds practical application in industries that create tangible benefits for Ugandans.

Driving Uganda’s Development Goals

Uganda’s agro-industrialisation agenda hinges on partnerships like the one between NARO and Psalms Food Industries. By connecting science-driven agricultural production with local manufacturing, the country is building the foundation for import substitution, job creation, and economic resilience.

The visit by NARO’s Director General not only highlighted the importance of this collaboration but also signaled government’s readiness to support private sector-led industrialisation initiatives anchored in local agricultural potential.

As Psalms Food Industries continues to expand its footprint, the success story of Sumz snacks stands as a testament to how science, innovation, and enterprise can converge to power Uganda’s industrial transformation.