The Makerere University Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development has acquired a seed cleaner with a processing capacity of 3 tons per hour. The centre has also remodelled the foundation seed facility that has a carrying capacity of 100 tons per year.

The Principal Investigator and Plant Breeder Prof. Phinehas Tukamuhabwa said the centre used to employ 20 women who would take two months to sort 25tons of the foundation seed but this machine will only take one week to process the same amount of seed.

The machine (seed cleaner) and the associated seed processing facilities were procured with support from the Vegetable Oil Development Project (VODP phase II) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

The seed cleaner and associated seed processing facilities in addition to the Maksoy 6N soybean variety, Soybean Research Highlight Report and a song that promotes good agronomic practices in soybean were launched by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja on Friday, 22nd February, 2019 at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK).

The function was also graced by the Vice Chancellor Makerere University represented by Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, Principal CAES Prof. Bernard Bashaasha, Representatives from the VODP, Soybean processors and Local Seed distributors and staff from Makerere University.

For details watch the video by clicking on the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxYQOb3OaFM

Report compiled by
Jane Anyango
Principal Communication Officer, CAES