Uganda is edging closer to releasing new locally developed aromatic rice varieties as scientists finalize advanced testing aimed at reducing reliance on imported basmati and supa rice while boosting farmer incomes.The varieties, developed by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), are designed to match imported rice in aroma, quality and yield, while offering improved resistance to disease. The work is being implemented under the five-year Promotion of Sustainable Rice Development (Eco-PRiDe) Project.Speaking at the second Joint Technical Committee meeting of the Eco-PRiDe Project held on December 11 in Butaleja District, NARO rice breeder and Cereals Programme Leader Dr Jimmy Lamo said the new lines respond to persistent challenges faced by rice farmers.“Aromatic rice dominates the market, but the varieties currently grown in Uganda are highly susceptible to disease and give low yields,” Dr Lamo said, noting that the improved lines are under advanced testing in six locations, including the Doho Irrigation Scheme.He added that farmers, millers and other value-chain actors are already participating in cooking and milling evaluations ahead of approval by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the National Variety Release Committee.Eco-PRiDe National Project Coordinator Dr Titus Alicai said the project is also addressing environmental concerns linked to rice production by developing evidence-based approaches to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact.“We want to increase rice production without harming the environment, while improving incomes for rural farmers,” Dr Alicai said, citing efforts in quality seed production, farmer training and value-chain strengthening.Now in its second year, the project brings together researchers, extension workers, seed companies, farmers, academia and government agencies, and aligns with NARO’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030 on climate-resilient agricultural systems.JICA Chief Advisor to the project, Dr Kisho Miyamoto, said the initiative draws on Japan’s long experience in rice production to improve productivity and sustainability in Uganda, with a strong focus on delivering quality seed, disease control knowledge and improved farming practices directly to farmers.At the Doho Rice Scheme, NARO officials reported growing adoption of improved production technologies, alongside exploration of rice–fish integration and improved water-use planning to enhance yields and household incomes.With the new aromatic varieties nearing release, stakeholders say Uganda is positioning itself for a more productive, competitive and sustainable rice sector, with the potential to cut imports, strengthen food security and raise farmer incomes nationwide.The post NARO, JICA Near Release Of New Aromatic Rice Varieties To Cut Imports appeared first on The Insider.