The National Agricultural Research Organisation has launched a campaign to boost food productivity in Busoga by distributing improved seedlings and offering training in modern farming practices, urging farmers to shift from sugarcane mono-cropping to diverse, high-yield crops.
Through its Ikulwe Substation in Mayuge District, the Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute has begun rolling out maize, upland rice, soyabean, and matooke seedlings to farmers, alongside demonstrations of resilient crop varieties adapted to the region.
Agronomists from the substation are also providing free training sessions to farmers, focusing on best agronomic practices, soil fertility management, and pest control.
Dr Moses Kayiira, head of the Ikulwe Substation, warned against the continued reliance on sugarcane farming, calling it unsustainable for food security.
“If farmers adopt all the recommended technologies — including the use of quality seeds, proper land preparation, soil fertility management, and effective pest and disease control — maize proves to be more productive than sugarcane,” he said.
Dr Kayiira noted that while an acre of sugarcane yields about 40 metric tons over 18 months, earning a farmer around Shs4 million, an acre of hybrid maize can yield 25 bags in just three months, earning Shs2.5 million with far less labour.
He argued that when time and effort are factored in, food crops such as maize offer better returns and support family nutrition.
The campaign began with support from the Certified Public Accountants of Uganda, through the Busoga Regional Members Network.
About 30 members received maize seed and fruit tree seedlings. Nubu Nabwire, Chairperson of the Busoga network, said the initiative will be annual, with Mayuge district as the current focus.
“We are delighted to partner with NARO. This will become an annual event where we shall visit different districts in Busoga to distribute seedlings and seeds to farmers,” she said.
NARO’s collaboration with the Busoga Kingdom is now entering advanced phases, with scientists developing new seed varieties tailored for the sub-region.
Dr Nasser Kasozi, head of research at BugiZARDI, revealed that researchers are finalising trials of maize varieties resistant to striga — a destructive parasitic weed known locally as kayongo.
“Striga has been a persistent problem in Busoga, but NARO is actively addressing it. We are in the final stages of releasing varieties resistant to striga, and are also exploring alternative technologies to control the weed,” Dr Kasozi said.
He added that the new seeds will also offer resistance to common pests and diseases, while some varieties will be nutritionally enriched.
The goal, he said, is to develop crops that thrive despite climate change and improve both nutrition and household incomes.
The programme reflects broader national efforts to reverse the impact of mono-cropping and climate vulnerabilities, and to strengthen community resilience through scientific innovation.
In Busoga, where sugarcane estates have dominated the agricultural landscape, agronomists hope these efforts will help farmers rediscover the value of growing food.