By Joseph Mary Buwule
JINJA, Uganda – The Government has unveiled a new climate-smart agricultural innovation aimed at helping farmers cope with the growing effects of climate change, as Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja officially launched Skeepon, a bio-stimulant developed by the National Agricultural Research Organisation in collaboration with Japan’s National Research Institute.
The launch took place during the official opening of the 32nd National Agricultural Show at the Agricultural Show Grounds in Jinja, where the Prime Minister represented President Yoweri Museveni.
Developed through a partnership between National Crops Resources Research Institute, one of NARO’s constituent institutes, and Japan’s National Research Institute, Skeepon is expected to play a critical role in strengthening Uganda’s agricultural resilience by helping crops withstand increasing temperatures and prolonged dry spells.
According to NARO, the innovative bio-stimulant enables crops to overcome heat and drought stress, leading to healthier plant growth, stronger resilience against harsh weather conditions, and improved crop yields. The innovation comes at a time when climate change continues to threaten agricultural productivity across Uganda, where prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns have become increasingly common.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, employing more than two-thirds of the country’s population and contributing significantly to food security, exports, and household incomes. However, changing climatic conditions have continued to reduce productivity for many farmers, making climate-smart technologies an urgent priority.
The launch of Skeepon demonstrates the government’s commitment to investing in agricultural research and innovation to ensure farmers have practical solutions for adapting to climate change while increasing production.
Speaking during the official opening of the National Agricultural Show, Prime Minister Nabbanja encouraged Ugandans from all walks of life to visit the exhibition and experience the latest innovations transforming the country’s agricultural sector.
She noted that the annual exhibition offers much more than displays for farmers alone, describing it as an opportunity for every Ugandan to appreciate the country’s growing agricultural technologies and value chains.
“There is a lot here—not only for agricultural enthusiasts but also for all of us who consume farm products,” the Prime Minister said.
She added that visitors would have the opportunity to explore modern agricultural technologies, improved farm inputs, mechanization solutions, value-addition technologies, livestock innovations, food processing equipment, and a wide range of agricultural products.
“Whether you’re interested in the latest agricultural technologies, farm inputs, or even food, there’s something for everyone,” she said, urging the public to take advantage of the exhibition.
The National Agricultural Show has over the years become Uganda’s premier agricultural exhibition, bringing together researchers, farmers, private sector players, development partners, agro-input dealers, financial institutions, innovators, and policymakers to showcase modern farming technologies and promote commercial agriculture.
This year’s 32nd edition places strong emphasis on climate-smart agriculture, innovation, mechanization, research, agribusiness, and sustainable food production, reflecting Uganda’s broader strategy of transforming agriculture into a modern, profitable, and resilient sector.
The unveiling of Skeepon is expected to further strengthen collaboration between Uganda’s research institutions and international partners in developing technologies that respond to farmers’ changing needs. Scientists believe that wider adoption of climate-resilient innovations such as Skeepon could help farmers maintain productivity despite increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, ultimately improving food security and household incomes.
NARO officials said they will continue sensitizing farmers on how Skeepon works and how they can access and benefit from the new climate-smart technology as part of broader efforts to promote sustainable agricultural production across the country.
The official opening of the National Agricultural Show also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural research, innovation, and technology transfer as key drivers of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation under the country’s agricultural modernization agenda.