Farmer trials with improved seeds to promote seed production and improve local farming practices

In Uganda’s Bukedea District, Nelson Ekurutu, with CIMMYT’s support, is testing improved crops to help farmers boost yields and build resilience through better seeds and practices. In Kasoka village of Bukedea District in Uganda, Nelson Ekurutu, a dedicated farmer, is leading the way in agricultural experimentation. With support from the Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Systems in Africa (AVISA) project—funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and implemented in partnership with CIMMYT and the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI)—Nelson has embarked on a journey to test three new groundnut varieties: SERENUT 8, SERENUT 11, and SERENUT 14. The demonstration plots provide him with a platform to test new varieties, helping him and others understand what works best in their locality. While Nelson is drawn to the SERENUT 11 variety for its attractive leaves, he remains cautious, knowing that the real test will come only after the harvest. “This is my first time planting these varieties,” he says. As curious neighbors pass by and inquire about the varieties, he explains, ‘We are testing new varieties, and we’ll know more about their performance and yields after the harvest.”The AVISA project, which aims to improve the productivity of dryland crops such as groundnut, finger millet, and sorghum, plays a crucial role in Nelson’s work. With funding and technical support from CIMMYT and NaSARRI, farmers like Nelson are given the opportunity to test improved, drought-tolerant, and disease-resistant varieties. These varieties are designed to increase yields and help farmers become more resilient to climate change while enhancing production systems.