NARO Showcases Transformative Agricultural Technologies at Labour Day Celebrations

Fort Portal Tourism City witnessed a transformative display of agricultural technologies during the International Labour Day celebrations, with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) showcasing innovations poised to uplift Ugandans from poverty.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, presiding over the event, emphasized the importance of leveraging Uganda's abundant arable land resources for intensive agricultural systems.

He reiterated his call for the adoption of the four-acre model, emphasizing seven specific agricultural items—coffee, fruits, dairy, poultry, piggery, fish farming, and food crops—for household income generation.

President Museveni highlighted the distinction between intensive and extensive agriculture, urging Ugandans to embrace models that maximize returns on small plots of land.

He observed that Uganda has up to 40 million acres of arable land, which, if utilized well, can generate over 300 million jobs. He dismissed the perception that there are no jobs in Uganda, instead offering counsel that what some Ugandans lack is the attitude and vision to engage in agricultural models that can generate income.

He cited the success story of Mr. Nyakana, a progressive farmer in Fort Portal, who implemented the four-acre model and now earns significant income from dairy and poultry farming.

During the celebrations, NARO showcased a range of agricultural technologies and innovations aimed at igniting industrialization and creating jobs.

Innovative products from bananas included reusable hair extensions made from banana fiber, green banana resistant starch for gut health, and banana dyes for fabric coloring.

Additionally, NARO exhibited green tea beverages and tea oil extracted from locally grown tea, highlighting the versatility of Uganda's agricultural produce.

Dr. Yona Baguma, Director-General of NARO, emphasized the organization's commitment to developing technologies for industrial production and poverty eradication.

He stressed the scientific rigor behind NARO's innovations and expressed openness to collaboration with the private sector for scaling up production.