The 3rd Eastern Agricultural Show, inaugurated by the Director-General of National Agricultural Research Organizations (NARO), Dr. Yona Baguma, witnessed a vibrant display of innovation and collaboration. With the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the chairman board of council MAAIF and the Director of the showground, the event proved to be a testament to the agricultural sector’s resilience and commitment to progress.
Spanning Thursday to Sunday, held at Awajo Rivers sides in Soroti District, Eastern Uganda, The Eastern show herald a weekend of learning and collaboration among participants. Attendees were inspired and empowered to embrace cutting-edge technologies and value addition practices.
Dr. Yona Baguma set the tone for the event with an encouraging address, urging participants to harness the power of research and innovation and collaboration to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector. His call to action resonated throughout the venue, igniting a sense of purpose and determination among attendees.
Throughout the event, a diverse array of exhibitors showcased their technologies and solutions aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural landscape. From advanced crop varieties to value addition products, each display highlighted the potential for innovation to enhance productivity and profitability in the sector. Attendees were provided with valuable insights and opportunities to explore new avenues for growth and development.
The National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) governed by NARO took center stage with their exhibitors, presenting newly developed crop varieties and value addition products. Their contributions underscored the pivotal role of research institutions in driving agricultural innovation and ensuring food security for future generations. Some of the developed technologies included orange and purple fleshed potatoes, good f A orange maize, and Upland rice varieties including black rice which all address the current climate change. or the breast feeding mothers and children, NARO cassava rich in starch, pro vitamin
Attendees were therefore treated to a plethora of displays, demonstrations, and interactive sessions, providing invaluable insights and networking opportunities. Many of them were intrigued to get good planting materials form NARO-NaCRRI, as they were free from contaminations with attributes suitable for current market demands. They were challenged to be more crucial with planting materials and to embrace good agronomic practices.
In a bid to further address on value addition products with aim of unlocking the potential of sweet potato and cassava, NARO-NaCRRI team engaged in a radio talk show hosted by Teso Broadcasting Service (TBS). The discussion was intended to educate even more people with the aim of letting them exploit root tubers to the full and to rip more from it other than raw form only. Many Teso farmers, Agri-prenuers and those who didn’t make it to Awoja show ground learnt the value and the need to explore market and industrial demands.
The four-day event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration, fostering partnerships that will shape the future of agriculture in the Eastern region and beyond. As participants departed with newfound inspiration and determination, the legacy of the 3rd Eastern Agricultural Show lived on, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for agriculture.