NARO, Japanese Firm Ac-Planta Ink Deal to Boost Climate-Smart Agriculture

The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has signed a landmark partnership with Ac-Planta Inc., a Tokyo-based agri-bio venture company, to advance agricultural research, innovation, technology transfer, and enterprise development in Uganda.

Ac-Planta is globally recognized for its pioneering bio-stimulants that enable crops to withstand drought, heat, and salinity. Through this partnership, the company seeks to translate its scientific breakthroughs into tangible solutions that address Uganda’s agricultural challenges while promoting sustainable food systems.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at NARO headquarters in Entebbe, sets a broad framework for cooperation in priority areas including crops, forestry, biotechnology, climate-smart agriculture, and agro-industrial technologies. The collaboration will also explore emerging innovations such as digital extension, precision farming, and circular bio-economy solutions.

Speaking at the ceremony, NARO Director General Dr. Yona Baguma described the partnership as a milestone in leveraging global science to address climate change and food insecurity.
“This partnership fits very well into our focus on promoting agriculture that is resilient to climate change, as experienced in the current times,” he said, while commending the longstanding cordial ties between Uganda and Japan.

NARO Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma (front third right), Japanese Ambassador,H.E. Takuya Sasayama, Prof. Kim and Dr. Olaho Mukani join other officials in a group photo after the signing.

Ac-Planta Founder and CEO Prof. Jong-Myong Kim expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying:
“Our vision is to contribute to a world of sustainable abundance through plant science. Partnering with NARO allows us to translate our research into practical solutions for communities in Uganda and across the world.”

The Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Takuya Sasayama, who witnessed the signing, highlighted the urgency of tackling climate change, citing record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather in Japan. He pledged continued cooperation with Uganda in strengthening agricultural resilience.

The Chairperson of the NARO Governing Council, Dr. William Olaho-Mukani, praised the deal as an opportunity to transfer advanced technologies from Japan to Uganda. He emphasized the importance of international partnerships in building climate-resilient and productive agricultural systems.

NARO scientist Dr. Godfrey Asea further called for the establishment of a local factory to manufacture Ac-Planta technologies in Uganda to reduce costs and improve farmer access.

Beyond research, the partnership prioritizes human capacity development, with plans for training programs in agricultural sciences, engineering, agribusiness, and pharma-biotechnology. It also includes specialized short courses, technology development centers, extension initiatives, farm clinics, exhibitions, and policy advocacy—all aimed at strengthening Uganda’s agricultural value chains.

The event was attended by senior NARO directors, Ac-Planta officials, and other stakeholders.