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The Tooro Kingdom has partnered with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to advance agricultural practices in the region. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to tackle high stunted growth rates by introducing NARO’s advanced technologies and research, including high-yield and climate-resilient crops. The collaboration also focuses on agritourism to boost the local economy and supports forestry and value-added products.

Ahead of the Empango (coronation anniversary celebrations) tomorrow, Tooro Kingdom has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Agricultural Research Organisation(NARO) to implement joint transformational agricultural activities in the region.

The signing held at the Kingdom’s Parliament in Fort Portal City on Wednesday, was performed by the Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Mr. Steven Kiyingi Frankston, and the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Sabiiti Amooti, while the team from NARO was led by the Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma and the Chairperson Governing council, Dr. William Olaho Mukani.

Kiyingi noted that the memorandum was timely to support the King’s ongoing efforts to fight against the high stunted growth rate in the region.

“Tooro has been reported to have one of the highest prevalence of stunted children despite of our fertile soils and favourable climate. This is a problem we are grappling with. This MoU avails us the opportunity to tap into NARO’s technologies to end this challenge.” The Prime Minister noted.

He observed that stunting had adverse effects on the cognitive abilities of the populace, whose impact extends to the general economic and human development indicators.

He said many kingdom subjects were preoccupied by “wasteful living” but the prospects of promoting NARO’s technologies and innovations would spur production and productivity and change the narrative.

Dr. Yona Baguma revealed that the partnership, built on NARO’s 30 years of agricultural innovation and research, will bring advanced technologies and tailored solutions closer to the people of Tooro and leap frog transformation in line with Government aspirations.

“With sixteen public research institutes under our belt, including the Rwebitaba Institute in Tooro, we are committed to delivering technologies tailored to the specific agro-ecological zones across Uganda.” he said.

He said interventions would align with President Yoweri Museveni’s broader vision for agricultural transformation, including modernization, agro-industrialization, climate-smart practices, and the promotion of high-value crops such as macadamia, cashew nuts, Hass avocados, and cocoa, among others.

“The partnership will particularly benefit from NARO’sextensive research on high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties, as well as improved livestock breeds, better pasture varieties, management and disease control.” He said, adding that NARO’s efforts in conservation agriculture and value addition technologies are expected to provide farmers with tools to boost production, income, and climate resilience.

With the Kingdom of Tooro being renowned for its fertile soils and breathtaking landscapes, interventions will also be geared towards tapping into the agritourism potential.

“We believe that integrating agricultural activities into the Kingdom’s flourishing tourism economy can unlock new potential, adding value to Tooro’s rich heritage and beautiful landscapes. Agritourism will enhance visitor experiences while providing farmers and local communities with sustainable livelihoods.” Dr. Baguma noted.

He cited the establishment of agrotourism hubs that will allow visitors to participate in farming activities, learning about indigenous knowledge systems, and sample value-added products like specialty teas, coffee, honey, and dairy products.

Under the forestry sub-sector, NARO will propagate the fast-growing, high-yielding tree varieties it has developed to cater to the growing demand for timber, firewood, and other forest products while supporting reforestation and afforestation efforts. Furthermore, NARO’s research in value addition encourages the processing of forest products such as honey, mushrooms, and medicinal plants, creating alternative income opportunities for rural communities.

Commenting on the fluctuated prices for tea, which is widely grown in the region, the Director General said NARO is developing new varieties of specialty teas, such as green and purple teas, which command higher market prices and offer better income prospects for farmers.

“These specialty teas not only provide economic benefits but also have nutritional attributes and environmental advantages. Additionally, NARO has created various value-added tea products, which we intend to promote among tea farmers and industrialists to diversify their enterprises and enhance profitability.” He said.

NARO’s Rwebitaba Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (RwebiZARDI), located within the Kingdom of Tooro, will play a central role in implementing this collaboration while leveraging other government structures, including the agricultural extension system at the Local Government level, ensuring that farmers receive the necessary technical support to adopt NARO’s technologies and innovations.

The initiatives will also take advantage of the funding opportunities from government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the GROW project for Women economic empowerment to scale up the uptake of these innovations, boosting production and productivity across the region.

Through the partnership, the people of Tooro are poised to benefit from NARO’s latest research and innovations, and that Tooro will continue to thrive as both a cultural and agricultural beacon in Uganda.