NARO Showcases Transformative Agricultural Technologies at Labour Day Celebrations

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) Showcases Transformative Agricultural Technologies at International Labour Day Celebrations

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) participated in the International Labour Day celebrations in Fort Portal Tourism City, where they showcased transformative agricultural technologies with the potential to uplift Ugandans from poverty.

President Museveni Emphasizes the Importance of Sustainable Agriculture

Presiding over the well-attended event, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni underscored the need to leverage the country’s abundant arable land resources to engage in agricultural systems that generate high returns from small pieces of land.

In an emphatic reiteration of his longstanding call for Ugandans to adopt the four-acre model, which focuses on intensive farming, the President stated that there are seven specific agricultural items—coffee, fruits, dairy, poultry, piggery, fish farming, and cultivating food crops for home consumption—that can exponentially increase incomes at the household level if appropriately mixed on small acreages.

Promoting Intensive Agriculture for Economic Growth

The President offered a clear distinction between intensive and extensive agriculture, noting that the former is suitable for crops that can offer high returns on small lands, while the latter involves crops that require large estates to provide economic value.

He observed that Uganda has up to 40 million acres of arable land, which, if utilized well, can generate over 300 million jobs. He dismissed the perception that there are no jobs in Uganda, instead offering counsel that what some Ugandans lack is the attitude and vision to engage in agricultural models that can generate income.

He cited the example of Mr. Nyakana, a progressive farmer in Fort Portal, who implemented the four-acre model on his slightly above one acre to engage in dairy and poultry farming, now earning over Shs16,000,000 per month. Nyakana testified at the invitation of the President, revealing that he has since expanded into the production of animal feeds and employs 15 people, 10 of whom earn a monthly wage, while 5 are casual laborers.

The President called for the full involvement of agriculture in the money economy through both intensive and extensive agriculture.

NARO’s Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

During the celebrations, NARO underscored the President’s key message by exhibiting agricultural technologies, innovations, and management practices with the potential to ignite industrialization and generate jobs on a large scale.

• Value-added products from coffee, including facial cream, body cream, face and body scrub, lotion, and oil were showcased. These expand the product lines farmers can obtain from coffee beyond drinkable powder and beans.
• A prototype of hair extensions in different colors manufactured from banana fiber was displayed. The extensions are reusable, non-itchy, and fully biodegradable. There was also green banana resistant starch, a probiotic beneficial for gut health, and banana dyes that can be used in coloring fabric, which are less toxic and non-allergenic.
• A green tea beverage and oil extracted from tea, extensively grown in the Rwenzori region, were exhibited. These products are ideal for seasoning food, baking, and salad dressing.

The NARO Director-General, Dr. Yona Baguma, previously hinted that it was NARO’s deliberate intention to generate technologies and innovations that can be expanded into full industrial products for job creation and poverty eradication. He stated that all products are scientifically developed and tested, and NARO is open to partnering with players in the private sector to scale up their production.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 1: No Poverty

The article discusses the potential of transformative agricultural technologies to uplift Ugandans from poverty.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The article emphasizes the need to leverage Uganda’s arable land resources to engage in agricultural systems that can generate high returns and increase incomes at the household level.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The article highlights the example of a progressive farmer who implemented an intensive farming model and now earns a significant monthly income, employing several people.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The article mentions the exhibition of agricultural technologies, innovations, and management practices with the potential to ignite industrialization and generate jobs on a large scale.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article showcases value-added products from coffee and banana fiber, promoting the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, sustainable agricultural practices can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

– SDG 1: Eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
– SDG 2: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
– SDG 8: Promote decent job creation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the agricultural sector.
– SDG 9: Increase the access of small-scale enterprises to financial services and their integration into value chains and markets.
– SDG 12: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, potential indicators could include:
– Percentage reduction in extreme poverty rates.
– Increase in agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
– Number of jobs created in the agricultural sector.
– Access to financial services for small-scale enterprises.
– Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

Please note that these indicators are not directly mentioned in the article but are implied based on the targets identified.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators