NARO Begins Multiplication of New Irish Potato Varieties

What the report says

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has begun multiplying four newly released Irish potato varieties, moving to expand access to clean seed for farmers in Uganda’s highland growing areas. The varieties, named NAROPOT 7, NAROPOT 8, NAROPOT 9 and NAROPOT 10, were launched by Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze during last year’s World Food Day celebrations and are being promoted for higher yields, disease resistance, shorter maturity periods and suitability for processing.

According to Nile Post, NARO has started harvesting seed at its Kachwekano Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute in Kabale District. Researchers said the wider goal is to produce enough planting material for farmers, seed producers and processors, while also strengthening supply chains. NARO officials argued the new varieties could help growers make better use of limited land in highland regions such as Kigezi, Mount Elgon, the Rwenzori area and Zombo, where potato farming faces pressure from hilly terrain, erosion and climate-related risks.

The article also notes that the varieties were developed with input from processors, including Psalms Food Industries and Café Javas, to meet industrial needs. NARO said one planned potato hub at KAZARDI is expected to support large-scale plantlet production, with construction of related facilities expected to begin this quarter. The institute says the success of the programme will depend on linking research, extension services and private seed companies so the new seed can reach farmers at scale.