NARO Hands Over 13 Potato Varieties to Seed Companies in Landmark Move to Boost Uganda’s Potato Production

In a groundbreaking move that promises to transform potato production in Uganda, the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has handed over 13 high-yielding potato varieties to nine private seed companies for multiplication and distribution to farmers. The signing ceremony took place today at NARO’s Aquatic Research and Development Centre in Kajjansi.

The varieties handed over include the newly released NAROPOT 7 to 10, bred specifically for industrial use and capable of yielding over 25 tons per hectare. These were developed with the aim of reducing Uganda’s reliance on imported potatoes for processing by large industry players. Other varieties include Uganda 11 (Rutuku), Victoria, KACHPOT 1, NAROPOT 1 to 6—among them NAROPOT 4 (Rwangume).

The handover forms part of NARO’s broader commercialization strategy designed to ensure farmers’ access to high-quality seed, thereby increasing productivity and household incomes.

Nine Seed Companies Sign Licensing Agreements 

Under the new arrangement, NARO signed licensing agreements with FICA Seeds, Kabale Irish Potato Agri-business Limited (KIPAL), Okeba Uganda Limited, Parlex Enterprise Uganda Limited, Tabid Farm Seeds Africa Limited, Ujamma Seed Company Limited, CADCA Seeds Limited, Sterling Seeds Limited, and Syova Seeds (U) Limited.

Dr. Sadik Kassim, NARO’s Deputy Director General in charge of Technology Promotion, said the initiative will streamline farmers’ access to certified potato seed while also generating revenue to sustain research and innovation.

“This is a journey we commenced in 2017 by establishing an Intellectual Property and Commercialization Unit at NARO headquarters and later signed up the first 10 companies in 2021. By last year, we had signed up 26 companies in total for different NARO technologies,” Kassim said, noting that potato is the first vegetatively propagated crop being handed over to seed companies.

Seed as the Foundation of Agricultural Transformation

NARO Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma, emphasized the vital role of seed in agriculture.

“Seed is the beginning of productivity. Without quality seed, there can be no sustainable transformation. This milestone affirms our mission to feed the nation, protect the environment, enhance farmer incomes, and strengthen national security,” Baguma said.

He urged seed companies to provide farmers with proper agronomic guidance to ensure the new varieties achieve their yield potential. Baguma further pledged continued NARO support, including a diagnostic system to maintain seed integrity and maximum yields for farmers. He also called for the establishment of potato seed hubs across the country, noting that the crop is now grown beyond traditional highland areas.

A Public-Private Partnership for Farmers’ Benefit

Representing NARO’s Kachwekano Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Dr. Abbey Byarugaba hailed the initiative as “the greatest collaboration” between NARO and the private sector for farmers’ benefit. He noted that the new varieties mature in just 90 days, making them attractive to both smallholder and commercial farmers.

Private sector representatives expressed optimism. Mr. Narsis Tushabe, Managing Director of FICA Seeds, described the partnership as a game-changer:

“Access to quality seed has remained a major bottleneck for potato production, forcing Uganda to import from neighboring countries. With this partnership, we look forward to empowering farmers with quality seed and reducing imports.”

Science Meeting Societal Needs

Dr. Winnie Nkalubo, Chairperson of the NARO Intellectual Property and Management Committee, described the moment as a celebration of science working for the people.

“After many years of work, we finally have a product to present to the farmers,” she said.

The new potato varieties will be officially launched on October 16, 2025, during the World Food Day celebrations at NARO’s Rwebitaba Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute in Fort Portal.

This milestone marks a turning point for Uganda’s potato sector, promising higher yields, reduced imports, improved farmer incomes, and a stronger foundation for agro-industrialization.