Uganda To Introduce New Aromatic Rice Varieties To Reduce Rice Imports
December 19, 2025
Rice remains a key staple and cash crop in Uganda. Taking this forward, Ugandan agricultural researchers are seeking advanced trials for new aromatic rice varieties that intends to reduce the country’s dependence on imported basmati and other aromatic rice varieties.
Aromatic varieties developed through NARO and JICA
Interestingly, these varieties developed through collaborative efforts between the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and Japan Inernational Cooperation Agency (JICA), represent a strategic advancement under the promotion of Sustainable Rice Development (ECO-PRiDe) project. Notably, these varieties addresses significant challenges faced by Ugandan rice farmers, such as need for domestically produced grains that rival imported varieties in quality, aroma and rice production.
Since, the country spends billions of shillings annually in rice imports along with aromatic rice varieties often sourced from Asian and East African markets. Now, bringing competitive domestic varieties could retain value within the agricultural economy, boost food security and improve farmer incomes.
Local output lacked aroma, sustaining demand for rice imports
Shockingly, most local output has lacked the aroma and grain characterstics preferred in urban markets, retaining demand for rice imports. Concluding successful trials will lead to the availability of new varieties to seed companies and farmers ahead of the next planting season. According to inside sources, the new aromatic rice varieties are being tested in the six locations, including Doho irrigation scheme in Butaleja district. It intends to ensure the adaptability to diverse agro-ecological conditions, strong yield performances and market acceptance before formal release. Notably, the initiative specifically targets quality gaps that have historically compelled Ugandan millers and consumers to import aromatic rice at significant cost.
Apart from this, URA (Uganda Revenue Authority) has seized 3.2 metric tons of smuggled Kenyan rice concealed inside a cement shipment on the Tororo-Jinja highway, highlighting ongoing challenges with illicit trade.