The Annual PEWOSA Agribusiness Expo, was held at the Buddu Saza grounds in Masaka City, the event was organized by CBS to enhance government-supported agricultural programs. The expo featured innovations and technologies aimed at improving farming practices across the Greater Masaka region.
The PEWOSA Expo, is part of a broader partnership between the Buganda Kingdom and NARO, serves as a key platform for disseminating high-yielding technologies and connecting stakeholders within the agricultural value chain. The PEWOSA Expo also aims at connecting service providers with value chain actors, fostering increased interaction and business relations. The event further serves as a critical avenue for addressing the challenges of fake seed dealers, who often supply low-yielding seeds by enabling farmers’ access quality seeds.
On 4-9 th September 2024, MUZARDI staff, represented NARO and other Public Agricultural Research Institutes, participated in this year’s event. These held targeted trainings on Coffee and banana agronomy including sustainable land management with major focus on soil and water conservation measures and soil testing technology.
Over 3,000 stakeholders from the Greater Masaka area, attended the event to seek solutions to agricultural challenges and access quality seeds. The event enabled farmers to interact directly with scientists and obtain practical advice on crop and animal management.
During the expo, NARO enhanced its engagement with the community through enabling access to quality seeds Coffee Varieties of resistant KR coffee lines (1-8), Vegetable Seeds and Seedlings: Hass and Semil avocados. Aquaculture and Agroforestry Technologies: agroforestry seedlings of Misizi and Calliandra species.
Additionally, NARO Holdings Limited showcased different seeds like maize (Longe 5) and soybean (3N & 6N) varieties, alongside NAROBEAN 3 & 2 seeds for sale. The PEWOSA Expo not only highlighted NARO‘s contribution to the food sector but also enhanced the importance of community engagement. The event shows the impact of partnerships between research institutions, local governments, and agricultural stakeholders in the sector.