NARO Cultivates New Potato Varieties for Enhanced Yield and Processing

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has initiated the harvesting and multiplication of seed for four advanced Irish potato varieties: NAROPOT 7, NAROPOT 8, NAROPOT 9, and NAROPOT 10. These varieties, unveiled last year, are generating significant interest among farmers, seed producers, and industrial processors across Uganda’s key potato-growing regions.

Developed at the Kachwekano Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (KAZARDI), these new strains offer a compelling mix of high yield potential, resistance to common diseases, shorter maturity periods, and desirable processing qualities. Dr. Jerome Kubiriba, Director of Research at KAZARDI, emphasized the critical need for massive multiplication of clean seed to ensure widespread farmer access.

“With the demand already growing, massive multiplication of clean seed will be critical to ensure that farmers can access the new varieties at scale,” Dr. Kubiriba stated. He also highlighted the importance of integrating soil conservation practices, particularly in the highland areas of the Kigezi sub-region, to ensure sustainable agricultural production.

NARO potato breeder Dr. Prossy Namugga explained that the varieties were bred with specific market needs in mind, including industrial processing. Collaborations with companies like Psalms Food Industries and Café Javas were instrumental in refining the varieties to meet industry standards.

NAROPOT 7 and NAROPOT 9 boast impressive yield potentials of up to 30.2 and 31.4 tonnes per hectare, respectively. NAROPOT 8 and NAROPOT 10 are particularly suited for processing into crisps and chips, with NAROPOT 10 offering strong disease resistance and a maturity period of 100-120 days.

Industry stakeholders, including the Kisoro District Potato Growers Cooperative Union and the Uganda National Seed Potato Producers Association (UNSPPA), have welcomed these developments. They note that access to clean, high-quality seed has long been a challenge for Ugandan potato farmers. The introduction of these varieties promises to expand access to improved planting materials, offering farmers more options for both fresh consumption and industrial markets.

This initiative by NARO is expected to significantly enhance potato production and create new opportunities within the agricultural value chain.

Read more at: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/naro-starts-seed-multiplication-for-four-new-potato-varieties-5572566