agriculture 25 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Government Urges Farmers to Adopt Drought-Resistant Seeds Amid Climate Shifts

Ugandan agriculture officials are encouraging farmers to plant early-maturing, certified seed varieties and invest in irrigation systems to combat erratic rainfall and improve overall yields. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-urges-farmers-to-plant-drought-resistant-seeds-as-climate-change-bites-5645616

The Ugandan government has urged farmers across the country to embrace climate-resilient crop varieties and purchase certified seeds from registered suppliers to safeguard their harvests against increasingly erratic weather patterns.

Speaking at the 2026 Agribusiness Expo for the Central Region at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Sendusu Station in Namulonge, Dr Mary Teddy Asio emphasized that changing climate conditions require a shift toward resilient agricultural practices. Dr Asio, the assistant commissioner-in-charge of seed inspection and certification at the Ministry of Agriculture, noted that staple crops like maize, millet, and sorghum now feature tested varieties designed to mature early and thrive with minimal rainfall.

The ministry is actively promoting climate-smart agriculture, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Karamoja that frequently face prolonged dry spells. Officials strongly cautioned agriculturalists against buying planting materials from unverified dealers to avoid counterfeit products, highlighting the oversight role played by the Uganda National Seed Certification Service.

In addition to improved seeds, the government is encouraging farmers to integrate agricultural innovations like irrigation to decrease total reliance on seasonal rainfall. Through a current cost-sharing arrangement, the government covers 80 percent of small-scale irrigation equipment costs while farmers contribute the remaining 20 percent. Furthermore, ongoing national irrigation projects aim to scale up water access for rural producers.

Organized by the Eastern Africa Grain Council and IITA, the expo brought together hundreds of exhibitors, researchers, and financial service providers to connect smallholders with modern technologies. Stakeholders emphasized that strengthening public-private partnerships and expanding access to quality inputs are essential steps toward ensuring long-term food security across Uganda.