Seeds of Gold Farm Clinic returns with climate-smart farming focus

The highly anticipated Seeds of Gold Farm Clinic is back, this time with a crucial emphasis on climate-smart agriculture to help Ugandan farmers navigate the challenges posed by a changing climate. The 2026 edition officially kicked off at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Namulonge, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, financiers, and agribusiness professionals.

Organized by Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) in partnership with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (Naro), the nationwide program aims to reach at least 1,200 farmers at each of its stops in Lira, Serere, Kabale, Fort Portal, and Masaka. This year’s initiative, themed “Climate-smart farming for bumper harvests,” will focus on practical demonstrations of improved seed technologies, efficient irrigation solutions, effective post-harvest handling techniques, and facilitating access to agricultural financing.

NMG-U Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa highlighted the program’s ongoing success in translating agricultural research into actionable knowledge for farmers. “We have continued to deliver impactful clinics across the country… reaching thousands of farmers with training in climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness, irrigation, financing, value addition and modern farming technologies,” she stated. Nsibirwa also noted the significant pressures on Uganda’s agricultural sector, which remains vital to the GDP and employs the majority of the population, from climate change and productivity challenges, underscoring the importance of partnerships with research bodies like Naro.

Bank of Uganda, a key supporter, used the launch to stress the economic significance of agriculture and the need for investment in resilience. Edward Mugerwa, Director of Administered Funds at BoU, remarked on the symbolic shift from boardroom discussions to field-level engagement, emphasizing that agricultural stability affects the entire economy.

Innovations such as drought-tolerant crops and multiple-harvest rice varieties were showcased by Dr. Titus Alicai, Director of Research at NaCRRI, who stressed the need for these technologies to reach farmers. KCB Bank Uganda and the Capital Markets Authority also reiterated their commitment to supporting agriculture as a business, offering financial solutions and investment platforms to foster growth and resilience within the sector.

These efforts collectively aim to equip Ugandan farmers with the essential knowledge, tools, and financial resources needed to adapt to climate change and transform agriculture into a more profitable and sustainable enterprise. The Seeds of Gold Farm Clinic program continues to be a vital platform for agricultural advancement in Uganda.