KAWANDA, UGANDA – In a significant boost to food security, the 47th National Variety Release Committee (NVRC) officially approved three new Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato (PFSP) varieties on February 13, 2026. This release is the culmination of ten years of intensive research and breeding by NaCRRI’s Root Crops Program. Held at the NARO-NARL Multi-Purpose Hall, the meeting represented a major achievement for the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries in delivering climate-smart, nutritious crops to Ugandan farmers.
The day-long session, characterized by high-level technical presentations and constructive dialogue among regulators, breeders, and development partners, culminated in the approval of these nutritionally superior and climate-smart varieties. Alongside reviewed candidates for soybean, sorghum, and maize, the PFSP release stands out as a direct response to Uganda’s evolving food security and public health needs.
These new varieties officially named NAROSPOT 8P, 9P, and 10P were selected for their exceptional agronomic performance and adaptability across Uganda’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
Dr. Benard Yada, Head of the Root Crops Program at NaCRRI, highlighted the unique health profile of these crops. Unlike traditional varieties, the Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato is rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants known to reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve cardiovascular health. This makes them a vital nutritional asset for all age groups.
The impact of NAROSPOT 8P, 9P, and 10P extends far beyond the kitchen table. These varieties have been bred with versatile physical properties that make them ideal for:
- Fresh Consumption: Excellent taste and texture for local markets.
- Value Addition: High suitability for industrial processing into flour, purees, and functional food products.
- Climate Resilience: Proven stability in varying environmental conditions.
“This approval is a victory for science, persistence, and public investment in nutrition and food security,” remarked Dr. Titus Alicai, NaCRRI’s Director of Research.
The Chair of the NVRC, Dr. Joseph Kitafunda Twine, commended the team for their dedication but emphasized that the work does not end with approval. He urged NaCRRI to prioritize the acceleration of seed multiplication and dissemination, ensuring that these nutrient-rich varieties reach smallholder farmers and consumers across the country without delay.
With the launch of NAROSPOT 8P, 9P, and 10P, NaCRRI reaffirms its commitment to transforming Ugandan agriculture through science-led solutions that nourish both the economy and the people.
Key Highlights of the Release
A Specialized Trio: The NAROSPOT Series
The release is anchored by NAROSPOT 8P, a variety designed with public health at its core. Distinguished by its exceptionally high anthocyanin content, this variety serves as a natural powerhouse of antioxidants. Its primary benefit lies in its potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support cardiovascular health, making it a “functional food” that nourishes while it heals.
For the entrepreneurial and industrial sectors, NAROSPOT 9P offers a significant breakthrough. It was specifically bred for industrial suitability, boasting physical and chemical properties that make it the ideal candidate for high-quality processing. Whether being transformed into nutritious flour, purees, or various value-added snacks, NAROSPOT 9P provides a robust raw material that promises to strengthen the local agro-processing value chain.
Finally, addressing the fundamental challenge of food security is NAROSPOT 10P. This variety is defined by its broad adaptability, meaning it can thrive in a wide range of environments. By delivering high yields across diverse agro-ecologies, NAROSPOT 10 ensures that regardless of the specific climate or soil conditions in different regions of Uganda, farmers can rely on a consistent and bountiful harvest.