Uganda is on the brink of releasing new locally developed aromatic rice varieties as scientists finalize advanced field and quality tests designed to match the aroma, grain quality and yields of imported basmati and supa rice.
The varieties have been developed by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) under the Promotion of Sustainable Rice Development (ECO-PRiDe) Project, with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in response to growing domestic demand for aromatic rice and rising import costs.
Dr. Jimmy Lamo, a rice breeder and Cereals Program Leader at NARO, said the new lines address persistent challenges faced by rice farmers, including low yields and vulnerability to disease.
“These aromatic varieties dominate the market, but the ones currently grown in Uganda are highly susceptible to disease and give low yields,” Dr Lamo said, adding that improved lines have been developed using resistant parent seeds and are now under advanced testing across six locations, including the Doho Irrigation Scheme in Butaleja District.
Dr Lamo made the remarks on December 11, 2025, during the second Joint Technical Committee meeting of the Eco-PRiDe Project held at City Resort Hotel in Butaleja.
The meeting, hosted by NARO’s Buginyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (BugiZARDI), brought together researchers, policymakers and development partners to assess progress in sustainable rice production.
He revealed that farmers, millers and other value chain actors are participating in cooking and milling evaluations as part of the final assessment process before approval by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the National Variety Release Committee.
Addressing environmental concerns linked to rice cultivation, Dr Titus Alicai, Director of Research at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) and National Project Coordinator for Eco-PRiDe, said the project is developing an evidence-based framework to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact.
“We want to increase rice production without harming the environment, while improving incomes for rural farmers,” Dr Alicai said, noting that the approach includes producing high-quality seed, strengthening farmer knowledge on sustainable cultivation practices and improving the entire rice value chain.
Now in its second year, the five-year project brings together researchers, extension officers, seed companies, farmers, academia and government agencies, and aligns with NARO’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, particularly its focus on climate-resilient agricultural systems.
Dr Kisho Miyamoto, the Chief Advisor for the Eco-PRiDe Project, said the initiative is drawing on Japan’s more than 2,000 years of experience in rice production to enhance productivity in Uganda.
“More importantly, we are ensuring last-mile delivery, bringing quality seed, disease control knowledge and sustainable cultural practices directly to farmers,” Dr Miyamoto said.
He added that the project is supporting young Ugandan researchers to undertake studies at various Japanese universities.
He highlighted the Musomesa Field School approach introduced under the project as a key tool for strengthening the link between research, extension services and farmer learning.
At the Doho Rice Scheme, Dr Nasser Kasozi, Director of Research at BugiZARDI, said many farmers have already adopted improved production technologies introduced through the project.
He added that the initiative is also exploring rice–fish integration technologies, where nutrient-rich fish pond water is used to enhance rice productivity, improving food and income security for rural households.
Dr Kasozi further revealed that BugiZARDI is developing a cropping calendar aimed at improving water-use efficiency and boosting yields.
During a site inspection at the Doho Irrigation Scheme, members of the Joint Technical Committee observed that with new aromatic rice varieties nearing release and farmer-focused innovations gaining traction, Uganda is steadily advancing toward a more productive, competitive and sustainable rice sector.
