By ResearchFinds Team
Entebbe, January 31, 2024 — The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, expressed awe during his recent visit to four National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) institutes, where cutting-edge research results were showcased, ranging from eco-friendly products to transformative agricultural practices.
Impressive Range of Innovations
The tour revealed an impressive array of innovations, including the production of liquid soap, hand wash gels, pesticides, and animal feeds derived from cow dung.
Additionally, facial and body scrubs, as well as body creams made from coffee, highlighted the diverse applications of agricultural research.
Accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and Kingdom officials, the Katikkiro’s visit underscored the collaboration outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding signed between NARO and the Buganda Kingdom last year.
This partnership focuses on leveraging NARO’s expertise to advance transformative agriculture in the Buganda region.
Commitment to Scientific Agriculture
Emphasizing the importance of embracing scientific and research-based approaches to agriculture, the Katikkiro stated, “If we aim for socio-economic transformation, we must concentrate on our country’s comparative advantage, which lies in agriculture.”
He highlighted the significance of NARO’s expertise in addressing the challenges posed by the population explosion and growing needs. The Katikkiro expressed confidence that the collaboration would provide the necessary solutions for Buganda’s development.
Innovations at NARO Institutes
The visit included stops at various NARO institutes, showcasing groundbreaking research results.
At the National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI), innovative products like coffee powder, yoghurt, wines, chocolate, cookies, and non-dietary prototypes were presented. The occasion also marked the launch of the annual Royal Coffee Day.
At the Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MuZARDI), adaptive research results aimed at promoting local poultry farming, vegetable and legumes cultivation, fish farming, quality seeds, and agricultural management practices were explored.
The National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) demonstrated zero waste farm management practices, utilizing farm waste to produce various items, including biogas, Bio-briquettes, Biomethane, Bio-liquid, Bio-pesticides, bio-fertilizers, Animal feeds, Bio-electricity, Carbondioxide, and Sulphuric acid.
The National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NaRL) in Kawanda exhibited biotechnology advancements, including banana plant generation through tissue culture. Banana fibers were transformed into quality hair extensions, showcasing the industrialization potential.
Strategic Partnerships for Socio-Economic Change
Dr. Yona Baguma, the NARO Director General, proposed promoting key technologies through the Buganda Cultural and Development Foundation (BUCADEF) to drive socio-economic change within Buganda.
He advocated for collaborative efforts with BUCADEF and Mutesa 1 Royal University to disseminate NARO technologies throughout Buganda.
Initiatives for Sustainable Development
The Minister of State for Agriculture, Trade, and Cooperatives in the Buganda Kingdom, Hajji Amis Kakomo, praised the partnership with NARO as monumental. The Katikkiro directed BUCADEF to initiate a program disseminating NARO technologies to communities, aiming to spark rapid socio-economic transformation.
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