Uganda targets faster-maturing maize t
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) in Uganda is developing faster-maturing maize varieties to increase crop yields in highland regions. The initiative aims to shorten growth cycles from six months to 90-120 days to improve food security and farmer income.
Why it matters
Improving agricultural efficiency is critical for food security and economic development in regions facing climate and geographic constraints.
Agric. & Environment: Uganda targets faster-maturing maize t
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Uganda targets faster-maturing maize to boost highland yields
Uganda currently produces about five million tonnes of maize annually, but the Government is targeting 10 million tonnes within five years.
Dr Sadik Kassim (extreme left) with NARO director general Dr Yona Baguma (centre) during a handover of a certificate to a seed distributor. (Courtesy Photo)
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) says it is developing fast-maturing maize varieties suited to the country's highland areas.
Dr Sadik Kassim, NARO's deputy director general in charge of technology promotion, said the move is part of efforts to scale up cereal production, improve food security and increase farmers' incomes.
Kassim said maize grown in the highlands takes considerably longer to mature because of the cooler conditions, limiting the number of cropping cycles farmers can undertake.
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