Government has been tasked to explain to the public on how new seed varieties can reach the local population across the country.
Ugandan scientists in collaboration with partners have developed a number of seed the varieties that have surprised the world as some of them are drought resistant. In Uganda, a significant 57.8% of maize-growing households cultivate at least one CGIAR-related variety, demonstrating strong adoption potential.
Improved groundnut varieties are gaining traction, particularly in Eastern Uganda, with more than a third (37.1%) of groundnut-producing households embracing them, While only 3% of sweet potato-growing households currently cultivate orange-fleshed sweet potato, its proven nutritional and health benefits highlight a key opportunity for increased promotion and adoption.
Despite the great innovations, concerns on how the varieties reach the local populations continue to raise among many partners.
This was revealed during the release of the report on the CIGAR-supported agricultural innovations across Uganda.
CGIAR is a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research about food security.
Dr. John Ilukor from the World Bank, says there should be a clear channel through which farmers across the country can access the improved varieties.
However Dr. Godfrey Asea from the National Agriculture Research Organization NARO explains that as government they are scalling down to ensure that all seed varieties reach the farmers.