NARO Launches Nutrient-Rich Purple Sweet Potato to Combat Malnutrition

Uganda HeadlinesOct 17, 2026Read original

MBARARA, Uganda — The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has launched a new purple-fleshed sweet potato variety rich in antioxidants and vitamins, alongside a new technology hub, in a major push to improve household nutrition and strengthen food security across Uganda.

The innovations were officially unveiled by Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze during national World Food Day celebrations at the Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MBAZARDI). The event, which attracted over 3,000 attendees, also marked 100 years of agricultural research at the Mbarara institute.

Developed by scientists at NARO’s Namulonge research station under the leadership of plant breeder Dr. Bernard Yada, the new sweet potato variety gets its deep purple colour from anthocyanins—natural pigments with antioxidant properties. The crop is also rich in vitamins A and C, which support vision and immune function. While the presence of anthocyanins offers nutritional benefits, researchers note its primary value lies in addressing dietary deficiencies as part of a varied diet.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Tumwebaze described the biofortified crop as a vital tool for public health. "This new purple sweet potato is not merely food—it is preventative medicine on a plate that will help safeguard our communities against dietary deficiencies and non-communicable diseases," Tumwebaze said, urging researchers to focus on practical innovations that directly address community needs.

To ensure the new variety benefits local communities, NARO plans to begin distributing planting materials ahead of the next farming season. Dr. Martin Ameu, a plant breeder at NARO, stated that clean, disease-free potato vines will be made available to regional farmers starting in March 2027 through MBAZARDI and district agricultural extension networks.

The launch comes at a critical time for Ugandan agriculture. At the same event, Emmanuel Rutsinda, representing the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), warned that an expected El Niño weather pattern between October and December threatens to reverse recent gains against hunger. Rutsinda emphasized that climate-smart innovations must reach smallholders, particularly women, who play a central role in food production. He also noted that Uganda loses 30 to 40 percent of its food post-harvest due to poor handling and storage, highlighting the need for stronger links between farmers and private buyers.

In addition to the new crop variety, the government launched the One-Stop Centre for Agricultural Technology and Innovation at MBAZARDI. NARO Deputy Director General Dr. Sadiki Kasim explained that the centre will serve as a platform for developing and disseminating agricultural technologies, including biotechnology innovations to protect livestock from diseases.

The double launch capped a historic milestone for MBAZARDI, which was established in 1926 as a livestock breeding centre and now serves as Uganda's National Dairy Centre of Excellence across 13 districts in the Ankole sub-region.

Minister Tumwebaze urged farmers to adopt a balanced approach to agriculture by focusing on four key pillars: food security, income-generating crops, animal feed security, and environmental protection. He noted that while Uganda possesses over 40 million acres of arable land, less than 2 million acres are currently being utilized.

To support year-round production and reduce reliance on unpredictable rainfall, Tumwebaze announced a nationwide government initiative to assess and reinforce irrigation schemes and dams. He also outlined plans to expand other zonal research hubs, including Kachwekano ZARDI to address declining Irish potato production in southwestern Uganda, and Rwebitaba ZARDI to develop specialty teas.