Horticulture programme is one of the programmes under National Crops Resources Research Institute NaCRRI, an institute in the National Agriculture Research Organization NARO.The programme conducts Research and Development activities on a range of Horticulture crops including Fruits, vegetables, essential oils crops, ornamentals, flowers, and medicinal plants. These crops contribute over 40% of Uganda’s agricultural GDP. The research and development activities focus on addressing key constraints to the production and utilization of Horticulture crops which include: pests and diseases; limited planting materials; market access; post harvest loses and low profitability.
Our mission
Our mission is to promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector through research to increase food and income security. This mission will be accomplished by the following objectives
Ø To study horticulture farming systems, available germplasm, their utilization and conservation status
Ø To develop and disseminate horticulture technologies that respond to market demands.
Ø To enhance the utilization and dissemination of horticulture technologies
Ø To develop and influence policies for the promotion of horticulture farming and agro-processing.
Specific research objectives
Ø To conduct biophysical, market, and socio-economic studies to enhance research of horticultural crops for production and development
Ø Tomato genetics and breeding for yields, pests and disease resistance plus acclimatization
Ø Collection, processing, utilization and conservation of the genetic pool of horticulture crops
Ø Genetics, biotechnology and breeding for development of new genetic resources and lines demanded by the farmers and their markets
Ø Research on chemistry, nutritive and agro processing value of horticulture crops
Ø Crop production research focusing on agronomic, reproductive biology, agro ecological and physiological responses of horticulture crops.
Specific development objectives
Ø Facilitation of the multiplication, distribution and supply of planting materials
Ø Support the establishment of demonstration and training plots/sites
Ø Production and dissemination of training manuals
Ø Support the processing and value addition of identified technologies
Ø Train farmers and development partners in post harvest handling techniques for value addition
Ø Linking farmers to markets and market demands.
Our vision
Our vision is to have a self sustaining sector by generating novel technologies through research ensuring food security, health and income generation for the citizen and nation at large. The research team is dedicated to serve the nation and world at large through research and development projects.