NARO Strengthens Ties with Industry to Address Agro-Processing Challenges
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is bolstering its industrial support services to assist uganda’s growing agro-processing sector. This collaboration aims to tackle key challenges faced by companies, ranging from raw material quality to machinery needs, with solutions developed internally within NARO’s research capabilities.
According to Dr. Baguma of NARO, the association is actively developing product prototypes for entrepreneurs to scale into full-fledged industries. This commitment was highlighted during a recent business visit to Psalms Food Industries Limited in Nkoowe, Wakiso District.
Psalms Food Industries, which produces snacks under the Sumz, Krunchables, and Afrikan Harvest brands, recently inaugurated a new production plant to meet increasing demand after 15 years in operation. However, CEO and co-founder Mr. Dennis Ngabirano emphasized ongoing difficulties with the consistency of raw material quality and quantity, leading to production losses.
“Quality affects the final product. For example, when different groundnut varieties are mixed, it leads to wastage. On the other hand, inconsistent supply sometimes forces us to shut down machines entirely,” Ngabirano explained.
Despite these hurdles, Ngabirano expressed optimism that targeted interventions like mass seed multiplication and improved farmer access to better varieties could provide solutions. He praised NARO’s development of improved crops, including groundnuts, maize, simsim, and Irish potatoes, which already serve as vital raw materials for Psalms Food Industries‘ products.
Psalms Food Industries has expanded its product line from initial offerings of ripe sweet plantains (gonja) to over 30 items, encompassing crisps, baked goods, extruded snacks, peanut butter, and flavored honey.The company’s brands now reach diverse consumer segments and have expanded into regional markets including Kenya,Rwanda,Tanzania,DR Congo,and south Sudan.
“Our mission is to have Psalms products in every household. Research shows Ugandan agro-products have a regional competitive edge due to their superior taste. With NARO as a key ally, we are confident of solving the quality and quantity challenges internally,” Ngabirano stated.
NARO has recently released several industrial-focused varieties, including three groundnut varieties – NARONUT 3R, 4R, and 5R – approved last year for their high nutritional content and suitability for confectionery and paste production. New Irish potato varieties (NARO Pot 5-10) have also been released,specifically designed for processing into chips and crisps.
Mr. Narcis Tumushabe, Chairperson of Psalms Food industries and Managing Director of FICA Seeds, commended NARO’s focus on industrial varieties but called for increased efforts in potato production and strengthened extension services to minimize crop mix-ups that hinder processing.
The NARO delegation, led by Dr. Baguma, included Deputy Director General for Agricultural Technology Promotion, Dr. Sadik Kassim, Director Corporate services, Dr. Stevens Kisaka, and other senior officials.
