The KOICA-funded Breeders Workshop Meeting took place on January 16, 2025, at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), bringing together key stakeholders in Uganda’s Seed Value Chain Capacity Building for Key Vegetable Crops Project. Among the participants were representatives from the Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (ZARDI), who convened to discuss progress in vegetable breeding and seed system improvements.
With 80% of Uganda’s population engaged in agriculture and an annual production of approximately 5.3 million tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, strengthening the seed system is essential for enhancing yields, improving incomes, and ensuring food security.
Representing NaCRRI’s Director, Dr. Gabriel Ddamulira emphasized the institute’s dedication to advancing food security and Agricultural productivity through innovative breeding programs.
At NaCRRI, we are committed to developing high-quality, resilient vegetable varieties that cater to the needs of both farmers and consumers. Our breeding programs focus on addressing local agricultural challenges by empowering farmers with improved seed systems and sustainable practices he stated.
Dr. Ddamulira provided an update on the ongoing breeding of five key vegetable seed crops: Nakati, chili, pepper, tomato, pumpkin, and onion. He highlighted the importance of seed multiplication, ensuring disease-free plants, and incorporating consumer preferences into breeding programs.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), Mr. Isaac Wammatsembe underscored the importance of variety certification procedures in ensuring quality seed production. He urged breeders to gazette their plant material during the variety development process to protect intellectual property and prevent disputes.
Everyone has a role to play in variety development. For us to achieve our desired outcomes, breeders must ensure proper documentation and registration of their material during the development process.
Wammatsembe emphasized
Transforming Uganda’s Seed Value Chain
The workshop also featured insights from Project Manager Prof. Dr. Yeoung Young-Rog, who highlighted the impact of the Vege-Seed Project in transforming Uganda’s vegetable production sector.
This project is instrumental in strengthening Uganda’s seed value chain and reducing dependency on imported vegetable seeds,he stated.
The Breeders Workshop reaffirmed the collective commitment of NaCRRI, MAAIF, and international partners to improving Uganda’s vegetable seed sector. Through innovative breeding, improved certification processes, and collaborative efforts, the project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and support the livelihoods of farmers across the country.