From appropriate farm machinery to nutrient-rich crops, the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) showcased impactful agricultural technologies at the national International Women’s Day celebrations in Kyankwanzi District today. The event, held at Bukwiri C.O.U Primary School under the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” highlighted NARO’s role in empowering women farmers with innovations designed to ease labour, enhance productivity, and boost incomes.
At the heart of NARO’s exhibition was a range of technologies designed to minimize labour-intensive farm work, enhance nutrition, and increase economic opportunities for women. Among these were modern agricultural machinery that reduces drudgery, biofortified crops rich in essential nutrients, value-added products from coffee and cocoa, and livestock health and nutrition support solutions. These innovations align with the government’s efforts to equip women with tools that improve productivity and household incomes.
NARO’s participation was spearheaded by the Chairperson of the NARO Governing Council, Mr. Kenneth Katungisa, alongside Directors of Research from various institutes and other key officials. Institutes that played a prominent role in the exhibition included the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NaRL), National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI), National Crop Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), and Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Bulindi ZARDI).
One of the highlights of NARO’s display was the showcase of nutrient-enriched crops such as maize and sweet potatoes, which contribute significantly to addressing malnutrition among women and children. Additionally, the display featured value-added products from coffee and cocoa, demonstrating how women farmers can move beyond primary production to more profitable processing and marketing ventures.
A major attraction was the demonstration of improved livestock management practices, including disease control innovations and affordable nutrition supplements, which help women involved in animal husbandry enhance productivity and incomes. With the upcoming planting season in mind, NARO also provided knowledge and advisory services on crop selection, pest and disease management, and climate-smart farming techniques.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Katungisa emphasized NARO’s commitment to gender-responsive agricultural research. “Empowering women in agriculture is key to boosting household incomes, ensuring food security, and fostering rural development. The technologies we have showcased today are specifically designed to make farming more efficient and rewarding for women,” he said.
Women farmers and agripreneurs who attended the event expressed appreciation for the practical solutions demonstrated by NARO. Many lauded the availability of machinery that eases farm labour and the value addition techniques that enhance market opportunities. The Director of Research, NaLIRRI, Prof. Samuel Majalija, reechoed NARO’s commitment to drive agricultural innovation that supports women’s empowerment, ensuring they have access to the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive in the sector.
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Frank Mugabi
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