Farmers in Mukono and Luweero Districts have gained valuable insights into modern seed production techniques through a collaborative initiative involving Korean experts, the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), and Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture.
The training sessions, which focused on essential topics such as seed selection, storage methods, and the use of certified seeds to mitigate the risks of seedborne diseases, aim to equip farmers with the skills necessary to improve crop yields and maintain seed purity.
A key aspect of the program was the establishment of farmer-led seed production groups. These groups encourage collaboration among farmers, enabling them to pool resources and knowledge to produce high-quality seeds.
This collective effort is expected to not only enhance individual seed production skills but also strengthen market presence, empowering farmers to supply superior seeds to others in the region.
The training also covered crop genetics, seed treatment, and maintaining seed purity—skills that enable farmers to produce disease-resistant and high-yielding varieties. These improvements contribute to more reliable harvests and better economic outcomes for rural farmers.
The initiative has a ripple effect in local communities, as trained farmers often share their newfound knowledge with neighboring farmers.
This transfer of skills improves agricultural practices across the region, promoting enhanced food security and reducing dependency on external seed sources.
Officials noted that the local production of high-quality seeds is crucial to meeting Uganda’s growing demand for certified seeds.
It is expected to generate economic opportunities for farmers and local businesses involved in seed distribution and processing.
Moreover, increased local seed production reduces Uganda’s reliance on imported seeds, promoting agricultural self-sufficiency.
Dr. Henry Aaron Mulindwa, Director of the Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MUZARDI), emphasized the importance of infrastructure provided by the VegeSeed Project.
“We are grateful to the Korean government for establishing greenhouses at MUZARDI and providing essential equipment like tractors,” he said.
Prof. Yeoung Young-Rog, the VegeSeed Project Manager, expressed optimism about the project’s potential, noting that the favorable weather conditions in Uganda compared to Korea make it ideal for producing high-quality, locally bred seeds that will enhance farmers’ livelihoods.
Dr. Asio Mary Teddy, Assistant Commissioner of the National Seed Certification Service (NSCS), underscored the importance of seed quality in ensuring farmers receive certified seeds, with greenhouses funded by the Korean government playing a key role in this effort.
The training program represents a significant step toward improving seed production across Uganda, contributing to better crop yields, improved food security, and the economic growth of rural communities.
