By Carolinah Nakibuule
Uganda is making significant strides toward vegetable seed self-sufficiency through the Uganda Seed Value Chain Capacity Building for Key Vegetable Crops (VegeSeed Project).
Launched in 2022, the initiative is a collaboration between Uganda's Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED) and South Korea's Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Implemented by the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) and the National Seed Certification Services (NSCS) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), the project focuses on producing high-quality vegetable seed varieties, strengthening seed certification, and equipping farmers with advanced skills.
During a stakeholder meeting at the Cassava Center for Excellence in Namulonge, officials reviewed progress and future plans.
The VegeSeed Project has made notable advancements, including:
- Constructing 33 greenhouses across various research sites for controlled agricultural studies.
- Procuring state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and machinery to enhance research and field operations.
- Initiating crop improvement programs that involve acquiring germplasm and studying genetic diversity.
Dr Sadik Kassim, deputy director general for Agricultural Technology Promotion at NARO, emphasized the importance of reducing Uganda’s annual $7 million expenditure on imported vegetable seeds.
“This project empowers farmers and builds institutional capacity to meet local demand,” Dr. Kassim noted.
The breeding program initiated by the project aims to develop resilient vegetable seed varieties suited to Uganda’s agricultural conditions.
Farmers have also been trained in modern techniques to boost productivity and profitability.
KOICA Deputy Country Director Soongho Cho highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating, “Our collaboration with Uganda is about sustainability and fostering independence in vegetable seed production.”
With an $8 million investment, the VegeSeed Project addresses the economic strain of seed imports while enhancing food security and nutrition.
“This initiative is more than an agricultural project; it’s a blueprint for self-reliance and sustainability,” Dr. Kassim concluded.
By empowering local farmers and strengthening institutional capacity, Uganda is advancing toward a more resilient agricultural sector and a self-sustaining future.
