On 22nd November 2024, the institute hosted the PARI Director’s Forum to a meeting at Ntawo campus. The meeting was attended by Director General NARO, Dr. Yona Baguma, the DDG Research Coordination Dr. Swidik Mugerwa and Directors from different NARO institutes. The Forum provides an opportunity to institutes to share and get feedback on research innovations and products at institutes.
These went on a guided tour to the local poultry unit, the hatchery, the Vegeseed facility and aquaculture unit where tilapia fry is selected and multiplied to a tune of 10,000 fry per year. The DDG Research, Dr. Swidik proposed the adoption of a partnership model where NARIs produce foundation seed, while ZARDIs are given foundation seed for further multiplication by selected farmers and farmer groups.
Dr. Yona, expressed appreciation for PDM for meetings which provide a platform for both Directors and researchers to share and learn from one other. He further shared a 13 point programme which includes the establishment of an Agriculture Research Trust Fund aimed at ensuring a sustainable research system is in place.
The meeting agreed that Directors in NARIs should encourage their scientists to collaborate with ZARDI scientists to foster partnerships and knowledge sharing. This could be supported by the Grants ‘office at NAROSEC as proposals are submitted.
The Deputy Director General Technology Promotion and Outreach, Dr. Kassim Sadik, noted that the demand from Policy makers and communities to NARO has increased therefore, there’s need for enhanced efforts through visibility and outreach engagements.
During the Forum, Dr. Zawedde informed participants that her tenure as Director of Research for MUZARDI ends on the 31st December 2024. She thanked NARO Governing Council, Top Management, fellow PARIs Directors, development partners and MUZARDI staff for the support that has resulted in all the achievements including revamping the Kamenyamiggo station.