MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES

THE REPUBLIC OF (NAADS)

NAADS Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019 NAADS AGRO-INDUSTRIALISATION DRIVE TO BENEFIT MILLIONS OF FARMERS

Distribution of 280 tractors kicks off Rwenzori agricultural industrial parks get sh10bn boost Cocoa turns farmers into instant millionaires NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS) Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

2 DOWNLOAD 2 THE DAYLIFF APP Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019 CONTENTS FOREWARD 4 NAADS invests sh19bn in Nwoya fruit factory 7 NAADS develops guidelines for 9 operationalisation of the 280 tractors

Busoga NAADS supported fish farmers now fishing 16 millions Mulwana’s banana plantation has inspired 20 many into farming Wamala Targets 40 The Director of Agriculture; Horyal Investments Ltd-Mohamud Ahmed leads the NAADS Acres of Pineapples 22 Management and other officials during a tour of the Atiak Sugar Factory.

NAADS aids Kyegegwa livestock Farmer with 28 quality pasture

Cocoa turning farmers into instant 30 millionaires

Heifer turns Mbarara youth into a serious 36 farmer

Pictorial of the 2019 34-35 Jinja Agriculture show

EDITOR ADDRESS Khadija Nakakande EDITORIAL TEAM For any Further Information Please Contact: Ronald Kalyango Plot 5 Kyadondo Rd, Block B, Legacy Towers, Nakasero Paul Timbiti P.O. Box 25235, , Uganda Dan Wandera Tel: +256-41/312-345440/345065/ 345066 Deo Habyarimana, Fax: +256-41-347843 PUBLISHER Email: [email protected] Empire Publishing Company (U) Ltd Toll Free line : 0800230100 DESIGN & LAYOUT Mpeirwe Joel.

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FOREWARD Minister of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries.

Dear Reader

he Government of Uganda is desirous of and I hope users of this information will benefit from it accelerating production of priority commodity and take more steps to interact more with the different Tvalue chains as a means of transforming the 68% players in the agricultural sector that exist in their households to commercial agriculture. These include localities. coffee, tea, cocoa, fruits (citrus, mangoes, apples, pinneaples), and value chains in order to achieve the I also take this opportunity to thank all private partners vision 2020 of the middle income status. that have contributed to this issue and most importantly for the contributing to the development of this Country. Furthermore, the Standing Orders of Procedure (SOP) for NAADS/OWC, clearly spells out the roles of different The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries stakeholders in the procurement, farmer selection and will continue to sustain a good working environment preparation, delivery, distribution and monitoring of to enable this partnership continue to contribute to the inputs provided through District Local Governments. achievement of national development goals embedded in the Development Plan and the sector mission which is One of the core components of NAADS/OWC mandate "To Transform subsistance Farming into Commercial is to ensure transformation of the 68% of the households Agriculture." to the money economy. For God and My Country We hope that our leaders will become aware of the different players in the agricultural sector and appreciate the efforts put in place and be able to take advantage of the existing opportunities and services across the country in order to improve themselves and the livelihoods of the people of Uganda they serve. Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempiija (MP)

It is therefore my pleasure to share with you the lessons Minister of Agriculture Animal Industry and learnt out of these relationships with the private sector Fisheries

4 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

Message from the CChair Person Board of Directors NAADS

Fellow Ugandans, griculture remains the main which is evidenced in the general Development Corporation and source of livelihood and increase in production for most of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Aemployment for over 60% of the priority commodity enterprises; Cooperatives. Uganda’s population. It contributes Coffee, tea, maize, rice, fruits, over 70% of Uganda’s export bananas, dairy, beef, beans, cassava, As agro industrialization takes root, earnings and provides the bulk of fish and cocoa. there is need to prioritise revitalizing the raw materials for most of the the role of farmers in wealth creation industries that are predominantly The second edition of the NAADS initiatives remains the responsibility agro-based. Newsletter comes at a right time of all players in the agricultural During this year’s Budget speech, when the government through sector. H.E the President of the Republic of various interventions is desirous of The intention is to significantly Uganda emphasized modernization accelerating production as a means improve the performance of the of farming and skilling for Uganda to move the 68% small scale holder key commodity value chains as the gateway to the realisation of farmers into a monetary economy. to foster competitiveness and socio-economic transformation. For the markets to work efficiently, commercialisation of the 68% The National Agricultural it is vital that there are sound smallholder farmers engulfed in Advisory Services (NAADS) is a linkages between producers, input subsistence agriculture. key stakeholder in promoting distributors, middlemen, marketers Despite the budget cuts, we modernisation of agriculture and consumers. are committed to achieve our through its mandate of managing In this edition we reflect on impact mandate and my appeal to all the the agricultural input distribution of NAADS interventions in various stakeholders is to play their different chains, supporting strategic areas and planned areas of roles efficiently and effectively. interventions for priority/strategic intervention for the Financial Year commodities including supporting Enjoy the reading!! 2019/2020, for example, NAADS the multiplication of planting and has committed UGX 55 billion to set stocking materials and supporting up grain, fruit and feeds processing agribusiness and value chain plants in the districts of Yumbe, development focusing on the upper Kapeeka, Nwoya and Kayunga. end of the chain. Establishment of these facilities will A lot has been realized in the Robert Galusanja Kibirango be undertaken in partnership also modernization of agriculture through includes Uganda Prisons, Uganda Chairperson Board of various interventions by NAADS Directors NAADS

5 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS)

Message from the Executive Director NAADS

Dear Reader

bring you greetings from are aimed at increasing This Financial Year, work the NAADS Secretariat and production and productivity of continues to complete the fruits I welcome you to the second the various priority and strategic processing plants listed above. edition of the NAADS Newsletter. commodities for improved In addition, we are implementing household food and income a Presidential initiative for agro This Newsletter is a bi-annual security; as well as increasing industrialization which is being publication by the NAADS export earnings. piloted in Kasese and Kabarole Secretariat with the aim of Districts. The initiative known as keeping our stakeholders Key among our achievements the agri-led programmme aims informed and updated on our last financial year was the at establishing industrial parks programmes. In this issue, we procurement of 280 tractors to in strategic locations as hubs for highlight a number of activities be given out to farmers in various industrialization. that we have undertaken in a districts across the Country. bid to execute and achieve our The tractors were launched at a NAADS is making a remarkable mandate. colourful event that was presided contribution to wealth creation over by H.E The President of and it is our pleasure to share Our key mandate is to support Uganda; Gen. Yoweri Kaguta with you some of our success and improve livelihoods of small Museveni, in April 2019. The stories. holder farmers through wealth provision of tractors is part of creation. This is achieved through the government efforts aimed Good reading!!!! distribution of agricultural inputs, at commercializing agriculture supporting strategic interventions through mechanization. In for priority commodities under addition, a number of value the commodity approach, addition projects were initiated supporting the multiplication of last Financial Year, namely, the planting and stocking materials, Yumbe fruits processing plant, agribusiness development the Nwoya multi-fruit processing and value chain development plant, Kayunga fruit processing Dr. Samuel. K. Mugasi focusing on the upper end of the plant, and the Kapeeka mullti-fruit value chain. These interventions processing plant. NAADS Executive Director

6 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019 Nwoya fruit factory to benefit over 3,000 farmers

HE Government through Adyeri thanked government for the the National Agricultural gesture it has extended to the fruit TAdvisory Services (NAADS) farmers in Nwoya and also for the has earmarked about sh19bn trust in the private sector actors. this Financial Year 2019/2020 to construct a fruit processing factory She noted that farmers were ready in . to make full use of the factory The fruit factory is to be upon its completion. constructed in partnership with Dr. Julian, also a member of Nwoya Delight Uganda Ltd, the proprietor Fruit Growers Cooperative Society; of cheers juice, brand and Nwoya noted that Delight Uganda Ltd District Local Government. currently grows mangoes on 1,000 To support, establishment of the acres, oranges on 150 acres while factory, an out grower community guavas occupy 50 acres in Lungulu of over 3,000 farmers under their sub-county in Nwoya District. association Nwoya Fruit Growers On the other hand, the out growers Cooperative Society has been have established 2,500 acres of built around Delight Uganda Ltd’s different fruit types. nucleus farm. “We harvest between 2 to 3 bags While addressing the beneficiaries, of mangoes, oranges and guava the NAADS Executive Director; from each tree in a season,” said Dr. Samuel Mugasi revealed that Dr. Julian. the proposed 12-tonne processing factory will comprise of 8 metric She commended the NAADS tonnes for mangoes, while oranges secretariat for supporting farmers and guavas will each have an with planting materials (seedlings), installed capacity of two metric a key cornerstone in the tonnes per hour. establishment of the fruit factory. “We are optimistic that The chairperson of Delight Uganda construction of the fruit factory is Ltd’s Board of Directors; Dr. Gudula set to commence before end of Naiga Basaza believes that with The C.E.O of Delight Uganda Ltd; Dr. this financial year and it will be the establishment of the fruit Julian Adyeri Omalla (second right) and in fulfilment of the Presidential factory in the area, offers ready the NAADS E.D; Dr. Samuel Mugasi pledge to the people of Nwoya,” market for the farmer’s produce. during the factory site inspection in said Dr. Mugasi. Nwoya District. The Representative of Nwoya He urged the beneficiary farmers Fruit Growers Cooperative to follow the recommended Society; Vincent Langole thanked agronomic practices at their NAADS towards fulfilment of the Dr. Julian, also a member respective fruit farms and to make President’s pledge. of Nwoya Fruit Growers use of the extension workers at Cooperative Society; noted their disposal especially at the sub- He, however, observed that there that Delight Uganda Ltd grows county level to ensure supply of is need to address the rampant mangoes on 1,000 acres, quality fruits. pests and diseases that continue oranges on 150 acres while to wreak havoc to farmer’s guavas occupy 50 acres in The Chief Executive Officer of Lungulu sub- county in Nwoya produce. Delight Uganda Ltd; Dr. Julian district.

7 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS)

Leticia Tumwebaze Bakehahoki, tending to her Mango and Apples orchards.

The 63-year-old Tumwebaze hails NAADS OR most of her adult life, would never come to be – a wind of From her 1,150 apple trees, 63-year-old, Leticia Tumwebaze resilience manifested in the coming Bakehahoki in 2018 harvested 1,000 FBakehahoki, a resident of of the NAADS programme. fruits and selling a fruit at sh600, Buyanja town council in Rukungiri she earned about sh600,000 from district has relied on coffee, beans As a result, Bakehahoki was among the trade. She has set her eyes and banana growing as her sole the farmers who were trained on on doubling the harvests this year source of income. how to control the banana bacterial and also venture into seedling wilt. multiplication. However, her complacence suffered a shock in 2003 when banana She was also equipped with the “Growing Apple is a business that growing, which augmented the good agronomic practices, for needs patience but it’s a very fruitful beans and coffee finances, was hit example, stumping out old coffee project. I would encourage every by the devastating banana bacterial trees, spraying against pests and farmer to take it up. I used to admire wilt, which occasioned a rude diseases, and managing soil fertility, apple gardens but had no idea of awakening. especially through using inorganic getting seeds, in 2015 when H.E fertilizers. The President visited our area, he Faced with such a hard reality, encouraged us and from that time Applying the knowledge she Bakehahoki, who is now a successful I have developed the love for the obtained from the training, today, oranges, mango and apple farmer, crop,” Bakehahoki noted during the Bakehahoki has a nice looking started contemplating abandoning interview. banana farming. banana garden. In 2015, she added apple, oranges and mango She is immensely grateful to the “I had given up on bananas and I cultivation to her ever growing list of NAADS secretariat through which was thinking of cutting down the agricultural enterprises at her farm. she received free apple seedlings entire plantation to concentrate on which in the long run have turned Having tasted the unlimited the cultivation of beans and coffee,” her into a model farmer. she recalls. increased benefits of apple cultivation, she has so far bought But just at the time she was nursing more land, expanding her mangoes the move, little did she know it and apples on five acres.

8 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

NAADS develops guidelines for operationalising the 280 tractors HE Ministry of Agriculture management of tractors and their He observes that four models Animal Industry and Fisheries implements for profitable and for access and management of Tworking closely with the sustainable utilization. tractors are being considered and National Agricultural Advisory these according to Shuwu, range Services (NAADS) has developed “The guidelines highlight the from farmer organization tractor operational guidelines to be purpose, guiding principles, the management, the government followed by individual farmers and beneficiary selection criteria, tractor owned and operated tractor cooperatives to access and manage access and management models, management models. the recently launched 280 tractors. the roles and responsibilities of the key stakeholders involved in the Other models for consideration According to Eng. Michael Shuwu, utilization, management, supervision include leased or contracted tractor the Value Addition officer at the and motoring of the tractors and management and the nucleus NAADS secretariat, the guidelines their implements,” explained Shuwu farmer or private tractor hire service are intended to provide a framework during the interview. provider management. for equitable access and effective

9 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS)

The ministry of Agriculture will land acreages under cultivation in coordinate implementation of the subsequent seasons and potential guidelines in collaboration with for irrigation and post-harvest NAADS Secretariat and its agencies. handling. Implementation of the guidelines will be done using central government and district local government service Equity in allocation and delivery structures. distribution According to Eng. Shuwu, roles of various stakeholders shall vary The allocation of tractors and according to their mandates and implements shall be to ensure functions while technical committees regional balance in envisaged at the National and district benefits, in principle of equity among local government level shall be the different commodity enterprises constituted. and geographical distribution. General conditions for tractor Other than for special interventions allocation cited by government, all potential beneficiaries will be selected on a competitive scale based on Eng. Shuwu explains that the organizational capacity to manage selection criteria should facilitate the tractors and implements on decision making based on fairness business principles using an and proper justification. appropriate selection tool. Beneficiary districts, according to Shuwu, should be those with high agricultural production of a given Criteria for selecting Farmer sector priority enterprises and with Organization (FO) high potential and demand for tractor services. · The Farmer Organization/group · Farmers organized in groups should have a minimum of 20 “Tractors and implements will members. be given to the existing farmer shall be eligible for support with tractors and matching associations/groups/ individuals · FO should have a truck record in a particular production locality implements. Existing and active FOs are preferred. of proper leadership structure involved in sector priority commodity and management of group value chain,” notes Eng. Shuwu. · Consideration shall be assets and finances. He further urges that priority will be given to only farmer groups given to farmer associations/groups/ (associations or cooperatives) · The group should avail a individuals in a given community that whose registration is at- least competitive bankable business/ are involved in a particular sector up to district level. tractor hire service plan. priority commodity value chain/ This should be supported enterprise at production level. · Total combined acreage by evidence of conducting available for production by the profitable ventures within a However, Eng. Shuwu notes that benefiting farmer organization particular commodity value farmers involved in commodities should not be less than 50 chain. other than the sector priority acres in the locality where enterprises may demand for the they operate, and this will be · The groups should commit to tractor services. correlated with the tractor use only qualified, certified capacity. and licensed tractor operators/ technicians who will be trained Acreage and potential for · Farmer organizations prior to delivery/receipt of the other farm applications committing larger acreages are tractor. preferred. · Ministry of Agriculture working Farmer associations/individuals · Farmer organizations shall with other relevant MDAs will who will commit more acreage to be required to present proof/ ensure that these operators are production, more cost efficiency and evidence that the group have certified. maximization of tractor utilization will been in operations and guided be considered first. by the laws that govern the operations of such associations/ Specifically; farmers should be groups (e.g. cooperative society willing to progressively increase the bye-laws).

10 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019 H.E The President Yoweri Museveni commissioning the 280 tractors that were procured by government through the NAADS programme. The Ministry of Agriculture will coordinate implementation of the guidelines in collaboration with its agencies like NAADS Secretariat and the Implementation of the guidelines will be done using Central Government and District Local Government Criteria for selecting individual beneficiaries (Nucleus Farmer · Must be a Ugandan National. service delivery and Private Tractor Hire · Commit to offer tractor hire structures Service Provider) services to surrounding community. The political leadership in the district The nucleus farmer must: The district selection committee may also be involved in selection shall be constituted comprising of and prioritizing of beneficiaries of · Be a model farmer within a district production and marketing, the tractors. particular locality; agriculture, veterinary, commercial, community development, DAE, Prioritization of the FOs/Individual · Have at least 50 acres of Operation Wealth Creation, Farmer Beneficiaries (Nucleus Farmer and land available for agricultural Organisation representative, Private Tractor Hire Service Provider) production. production secretary in the district for Tractor support chaired by the chief administrative · Commit to offer tractor hire officer with DPMO as secretary in The MAAIF shall review and approve services to surrounding order to: requests received from district local community. government. A technical committee on tractor access and management Identify the FOs/Individual · Provide proof of past shall be constituted to further assess Beneficiaries (Nucleus Farmer the FOs/ Individual Beneficiaries experience in managing similar and Private Tractor Hire Service assets. (Nucleus Farmer and Private Tractor Provider), assess them based on the Hire Service Provider) for institutional developed criteria and recommend/ capacity and potential to manage The private tractor hire service forward them to the MAAIF through and run the tractors on business the respective CAOs for further principles. provider must; consideration. This committee will comprise of · Be a legally registered tractor The request from the district will representatives from; the Ministry of hire service business by the be supported by a district selection Agriculture and its agencies, Uganda government of Uganda. committee minutes seconding/ National Farmers Federation, tractor recommending the group. suppliers, Ministry of Trade Industries · Provide proof of experience in and Cooperatives and any other Tractor hire Service Business relevant entity. and required implements.

11 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS) Politician ventures into commercial agriculture Apart from finances from his political activities, John Bosco Odama, a resident of Andruvu, Chiaba Parish, and the LC3 Chairperson of Logiri sub-county in , also has considerable interest in commercial agriculture from which he equally makes substantial monies.

is commercial farming interest was last season buttressed by the NAADS Hprogramme with two-and-a-half kilogrammes of maize seeds. Upon harvest, he collected about 2,011kgs, selling a kilo at sh1,000. He re-invested the proceeds, expanding his banana plantation and investing in other food security crops like cultivation of cassava and beans. Odama, also owns three-and-a-half acres of bananas, planted with different varieties. His plan is to raise it to 5 acres. “It is customary land and I share it with my siblings. I got about 1,000 suckers from friends. I planted them following the recommended practices and today, we have ready buyers from as far as Adjumani and district,” he says. His plan is to open up more land for banana cultivation because of its unwavering advantages like staying longer in the soils and little care after the plantation is done. “On a weekly basis, I harvest between 20 and 30 bunches, selling them off between sh5,000 and sh20,000 depending on the size,” he reveals. From the maize harvest he made from NAADS given seeds, he used some of the funds to complete a three roomed house. His plan is to take on more commercial crops like cabbages and supply nearby schools. Odama with a harvested bunch However, such promising plans may not easily of bananas come to fruition considering that lack of access to constant water supply necessary for irrigation is his biggest challenge. It is his wish that one day, NAADS supplies him with a water pump to boost irrigation and subsequently meaningful and sustainable crop productivity.

12 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

Odama inspecting his banana plantation

On a weekly basis, I harvest between 20 and 30 bunches, selling them off between sh5,000 and sh20,000 depending on the size.

Odama's son carrying a bunch of banana

13 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS) Secondary School Teacher becomes model farmer in Arua

Edemacu posing with some of his mangoes.

The life of Richard Edemacu, a teacher at Ediofe Secondary School, has been riddled with ups and downs, but if that is the case, he has, fortunately, never given up.

eaching biology and chemistry, How he started regrets, observing: “It was a good with the clock irreversibly harvest, but like the previous crops, I Tticking to his retirement age, Moments after he had cleared his couldn’t find market for my produce. Edemacu is only left with three land, a friend advised him to plant I became a little bit disorganized.” years. This will certainly accord cassava and Irish potatoes arguing him adequate time to boost his that traders especially from South Not succumbing to frustration Kodjo Mixed Farm with his regular Sudan, had a high demand for the and resolute in his determination, presence. food stuffs. Edemacu later planted watermelon and harvested over 1,000 balls, “As I plan to finish up with my “I harvested 45 bags of Irish selling each at sh2,000, but with a teaching career, my wife- Scolastica potatoes and 50 bags of cassava, scarce market. Delu helps me monitor the activities but I could not find market for the at the farm. The farm deals in produce. I stopped because it was a Venturing into bananas and bananas, fruits, apiary and animal bad notion for me,” he recollects. fruits husbandry,” he reports. He subsequently planted the whole Due to such market challenges, field with sorghum, and upon It is worth noting every towering Edemacu abandoned seasonal harvesting, he was stuck with over story of success in human life has crops, crossing to bananas and 60 bags of grounded flour, but firm roots in humble beginnings. This fruit trees, including mangoes and without any market. is equally true of Edemacu’s farming oranges. Today, he is a satisfied journey which started on a very “After I had disposed it off, the owner of four acres of mature low scale in 2006, gradually picked mangoes (13 different varieties), five momentum in 2013. market for sorghum resurfaced,” he

14 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

An employee at Kodjo Mixed Farm with banana bunches harvested.

An employee at Kodjo Mixed Farm irrigating crops.

acres of bananas and several vegetables intercropped within his orchard. He also owns a nursery bed for mangoes and oranges, where grafting takes place, two fish ponds, about 50 trees of guava and two heifers. His farm is located near a water stream and this has provided him with easy access to water for agricultural production, and it was because of this that he managed to get a solar water pump from the NAADS programme. Now that he has access to water for agricultural production, NAADS supported him with 1,000 mango seedlings. “I am grateful to the NAADS officers for the extension services they have extended to us regarding growing of all the crops at our farm,” he appreciates. Furthermore, NAADS has supported him with catfish fingerings. His plan is to become a supplier of seedlings of various crops within the district. Edemacu has so far raised 20,000 seedlings of mangoes, 300,000 seedlings of elite coffee and 700 citrus seedlings. Last season, he harvested about 3,000 fruits of different mango seedlings. Selling each fruit at sh1,000 each, he earned over sh3m. Additionally, he reveals that bananas are equally giving him some income.

Some of the banana “On a weekly basis, I harvest between 70 and100 bunches, bunches harvested. selling each at 10,000 to barracks, hotels, and the Police. These sales bring in between sh700,000 and sh1m weekly.

I am grateful to the NAADS officers for the extension services they have provided to us regarding growing of all the crops at our farm.

15 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS)

Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Spokesperson, Maj. Tabaro Kiconco interacting with Zubairi Ikanga a fish farmer in Busoga NAADS supported fish farmers now fishing millions

Fish farmers in Busoga sub-region who the NAADS supported with fingerlings and technical advice have a moment to smile, as they’re now harvesting millions.

nd like the Bible says, the region, families now have meals NAADS empowered them. “Nja kutandikiranga ku accompanied with fish sauce, thanks to the NAADS for empowering the Despite still having some challenges, A (I will always start b’ewaffe,” farmers. the farmers termed the enterprise as with my own people), the harvested lucrative, having bagged millions in a fish is not sold in Kampala markets, The community is happy that fish is space of only nine months. but bought by the respective at exposal, unlike in the past when communities across the sub-region. The farms which Maj. Tabaro they ate mugongowaazi”, (bonny Kiconco toured included Musa With the thriving ponds, the fish), popularly known as “scrap.” Banerya’s BMK farm-Bukanga, communities’ welfare has been located at Budoma village, Bukanga improved in terms of diet and During the interview it was sub-county, and Rev. David improved health, besides minimizing established that the breakthrough Kisawuzi’s fish ponds in Bukendi the challenge of lack of sauce. during the verification and evaluation village, Bukanga sub-county. tour which the Operation Wealth And given the depleted fish stock Creation (OWC) Spokesperson, Zubairi Ikanga’s Ikam fish farm in in Lake Kyoga and Lake Victoria, Maj. Tabaro Kiconco, conducted in Buseete village, Bulongo sub-county people have limited access to fish, Busoga sub- region recently. was also among them. why they buy it expensively from gazetted markets, moreover on The random sampling featured Musa Banerya Kaoome, popularly schedule. success stories in Luuka, Iganga known as BMK, the proprietor of and Mayuge districts, where farmers BMK-Farm-Bukanga, ventured into But with the fish ponds, despite testified how they have fared since fish farming in 2015 when he dug the being sparsely positioned across

16 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019 pond and later stocked them with poised for big money and for the University level, and still counting,” fish fingerings in February 2016. community, better diet and health. he observed. “I am proud that having started, I Since 2006, when Luuka was part of Adding that: “I was sucked into the don’t regret because from a single the great , Rev. David venture by the NAADS in 2015, pond in the previous harvest, I Kisawuzi in Bukendi village, Bukanga but even before that, I had heard harvested what earned me about sub-county has been a practicing and seen people engaging in the sh6.5m, in a space of nine months,” fish farmer before getting NAADS business, but simply unaware it was he explained during the interview. support in 2016. lucrative.” Banerya started with two ponds NAADS supplied him with 2,000 Starting with 2,000 fish, whose using both family and hired labor fingerlings, adding to the old male harvest was exciting, that is why in December 2015, which was and tilapia population of 4,000, he had to enlarge the ponds to ready before the 2016 rains set in. contributing to continuous harvests double the productivity. With the Initially, he spent sh1.5m as the initial after every three months. current big pond holding 4,000 investment. tilapia and the smaller one 6,800 “Noticing the high proceeds, I catfish, Ikam Farmers-Buseete is After establishment, officers of enlarged the ponds to 30 by 60 feet, now a learning centre for upcoming NAADS offered him 1,000 tilapia with a sliding depth of 3-6 feet. In and experienced farmers, including fingerlings, which he keenly looked each pond, I also set up brooders technocrats. after and matured in nine months. where the fingerlings develop in size, before depositing them in the Owing to the varying fish sizes, From a single pond, the December pond to start a new life with the they harvest thrice in a year using a 2017 harvests consisted of 599 adults,” says Kisawuzi. special nets with each harvest not tilapia which weighed 1,750kgs going below sh7m. They then sort was sold at the farm gate price of Now with 6,800 fingerlings in the the harvests, retaining the mature sh3,000, earning sh5,250, 000. two brooders, his projection is to and returning the immature to the harvest mature fish of about sh35m ponds. From the recent harvests, The second harvest, with 249 by June this year. fish all weighing between 415 they earned sh2,980,000. kilos and sold at sh3,000, a kilo From the mixture of catfish and fetched sh1,495,000, totaling to tilapia whose population he sh6,495,000. In 2017, from both estimates to be 8,600 in his ponds, ponds, we harvested 586 kilos, Kisawuzi hopes to earn about sh25m By December 2019, earning BMK Farm sh9,345,000. from the fish sales. our projection for “We then used part of the money “Fish farming has over the years tilapia and catfish is to buy a flat TV screen to watch has boosted my income, that is why sh20m and sh25m educative stories on different I have been able to educate my TV stations and paid fees for our children through secondary to respectively. children and solved some domestic challenges,” he said. Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) To keep the enterprise thriving, Spokesperson, Maj. Tabaro Kiconco together with his wife, they opened interacting with fish farmers in up a Bank account to avert money Luuka District squanders. “Once tackled with determined mind and aggressive hands, fish farming is not only lucrative but enjoyable, that is why I appeal to those in slumber to join us and access the untapped wealth,” Banerya advised. He said the only challenges the enterprise faces are predators which include serpents, monitor lizards and man. However, the latter can be controlled by keeping tight vigils especially at night. Having restocked the two ponds in 2018 with male (cat fish) ngege (tilapia) from NAADS, BMK is

17 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS)

Construction of Yumbe Mango processing factory resumes

The NAADS Management officials together with members of Aringa Fruit farmers’ Cooperative Society touring structures of Yumbe Mango processing factory.

ULIET Maneno lives in Yumbe to take them the fruits of her 20 Company (U) Ltd as the contractors district with her two children, mango trees twice a year (estimated who have been contracted to Jher husband-a subsistence at 400kgs per tree per year) but construct and install the required farmer. Mameno is 40 years old but because they will be offering jobs to machinery for the mango processing is not sure of her exact age. the local community. factory. Her traditional thatched home is She has school fees to pay for two The assignment which has been a short walk from the site of the children, not to mention the uniforms planned to cost about sh8.4bn, processing plant, but 2km from the and books she cannot afford to buy. is being executed by the NAADS market. In April 2014, she sold her Secretariat in partnership with Aringa mangoes to FONUS to be pulped in Mameno’s excitement is vested Fruit Farmers’ Cooperative Society the mobile processor, for which she in the recent visit of the NAADS and Food and Nutrition Solutions Ltd received sh100,000. management team led by the (FONUS). Executive Director; Dr. Samuel Mameno, however is optimistic Mugasi to Lodonga sub-county, a Speaking during the site that when the plant opens, she will location for the mango processing handover to the contractor, Dr. receive at least double that and will factory in . Mugasi acknowledged the initial not have to carry them far. support of Trademark East Africa The purpose of the visit was to and expressed government’s Maneno is looking forward to the ascertain the current status of the commitment to complete the factory opening of the processing plant, structures and to officially unveil by March 2020 in fulfilment of The not only because she will be able China Huangpai Food Machinery President’s pledge.

18 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019 “We are hopeful that the work will be completed by March 2020, including the installation of the equipment and in the same year, procurement and processing of the mangoes will start,” he said. The General Manager of China Huangpai Food Machinery Company; Nelson Ojwiya called for a conducive working environment and cooperation from the beneficiary farmers. The Yumbe District LC5; Taban Yasin said West Nile is one of the major mango producing regions in the country but farmers are concerned that their produce has been rotting especially during the bumper harvest. To benefit from the factory, he said farmers have been mobilised to form The Yumbe District LC5; Taban Yasin and the NAADS E.D Dr. Samuel Mugasi Aringa Fruit Farmers’ Cooperative together with officials of Aringa Fruit Farmers’ Cooperative Society during the Society Ltd to increase on mango ground breaking ceremony. production in the area. “We call upon all farmers with mangoes to register with the cooperatives for easy coordination,” he said. In 2013, FONUS experts were in Yumbe District when they noticed the proliferation of mango trees growing wild. The trees were laden with growing fruit and the academics discovered that once ripe, many of the mangoes would go to waste because they could not be transported to markets. In addition, the fruit was fibrous, probably better suited for juice than eaten raw.

"We are optimistic The Yumbe Mango processing factory. that the construction works will be completed by March 2020, including the installation of the equipment and in the same year, procurement and processing of the mangoes will start"

19 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS) Mulwana’s banana plantation has inspired many into farming

e always dreamt of owning a bananas thanks to the NAADS model banana plantation but programme. I am confident that I will With a boost Hhis dreams seemed to fade achieve that goal,” says Mulwana. away each passing year until three of 500 tissue years ago. Selling each banana sucker at sh1,000 to those who are interested cultured 42-year-old Sam Mulwana, a resident in buying the suckers, is a clear of Kasaala parish in Butuntumula testimony that Mulwana wants banana sub-county, in Luweero district, all farmers interested in banana however had his dream materialize cultivation from Luweero to adopt suckers under upon receiving 500 tissue cultured the new varieties. banana suckers. the NAADS Harvesting means money, thus Mulwana who commends new Mulwana sells a bunch depending project, banana varieties on the ability on the size between sh10,000 and to survive under all conditions is sh20,000. On the other hand, he Mulwana targeting six acres of bananas in sells a considerably small bunch at the next two years. He also has two sh8,000, a big cluster at sh2,000 now owns a 3 acres under cassava production. while six banana fingers are sold at sh1,000. acre banana A model farmer and district councilor in Luweero district, Mulwana’s Mulwana’s biggest market source plantation agricultural undertakings have are several institutions including inspired many especially the youth the Kasaala Catholic Parish, Kasaala with over into farming. health Centre, a vocational school St Andrew’s Kasaala Secondary school 1,300 banana “My first planting season was in May and two primary schools. 2017 when I got the banana suckers stems at and took advantage of the rains to During the festive week of plant the banana suckers. By July December 2018, he earned over Kasaala 2018, I was able to start harvesting sh1m from the banana sales alone. the bananas,” Mulwana says in an “My family cannot lack what to eat village where interview. and sale the surplus,” he says. his family To encourage adoption of the His biggest challenge so far is new banana varieties in the area, the prolonged dry spells which makes a daily Mulwana has given out free continues to ravage his banana suckers and banana clusters to her plantation’s output. harvest for neighbours and friends in distant places. “We need to be supported with solar food and sales powered water systems to enable “I am on a campaign to popularize us irrigate our crops during the the surplus. adoption of the tissue culture prolonged dry spells,” he suggested.

20 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

Sam Mulwana pruning and tending to his banana plants.

21 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS)

David Wamala showing his pineapple crop in his plantation.

Wamala Targets 40 Acres of Pineapples

NTIL recently, 45-year-old batch of 1,000 pinneaple suckers beneficiary of the NAADS farm David Wamala has been that he received from the NAADS inputs and as thus I was supported Uengaged in the cultivation of programme in 2016. with 1,000 pineapple suckers,” he low income value crops like cassava, says. sweet potatoes, cabbages and Because of pineapple cultivation, he eggplants with no tangible incomes. has since established a permanent From three acres, Wamala has been home among other developments in able to expand his pineapple garden In 2015, after attending several this rural setting. to cover 20 acres the biggest chunk training workshops organized by being hired out from the neighbours. the NAADS programme, he decided “I was spotted by the Luweero to embrace pineapple cultivation district officials as a promising Unlike other crops grown in the area, and today, he proudly testifies that farmer who needed support to pineapples according to Wamala pineapples have finally become the venture into large scale commercial have proved to be more tolerant to family’s main source of income. farming. I had planted some the often long dry spells. pineapples and expressed my desire The sudden shift from growing to cultivate more. The extension As a food security measure, Wamala low income crops to pineapples staff recommended me to be a intercrops bananas with pinneaples. was hugely influenced by the first The bananas according to him

22 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

During a bumper harvest of December, January and February, Wamala normally earns about sh30m from the pineapple sales. Part of the proceeds, he pays the casual laborers at the farm. His children are also in private schools.

are also a source of shade for his to our produce,” he explained during most promising farm enterprise that expansive pineapple plantation. the tour of the garden. farmers in Luweero have embraced although value addition is still a During a bumper harvest of Adding that: “We need a fruit major hindering factor,” remarked December, January and February, processing plant in Luweero District Namubiru. Wamala earns about sh30m from for value addition. We should not the pineapple sales. Part of the be moving the long distances in proceeds, he pays the casual search of markets if we had the fruit laborers at the farm. His children are processing plant to add value to the also in private schools. pineapple crop.” To aid transportation of the Dr. Robert Khidda; the Luweero harvested produce to both nearby district production manager and the and distant markets, Wamala has Luweero district agricultural officer; purchased two tipper trucks hence Sarah Namubiru are optimistic that being able to have his produce the future of the farming industry in available to his clients at the right Luweero will largely depend on the time of demand. improved farming systems and the integration of modern technology His target is to expand his garden including the irrigation to boost to cover 40 acres in the next three production. years. “Several farmers have taken “I am highly indebted to the district advantage of agricultural officials who recommended the technologies supplied under the NAADS officials to support me with NAADS programme and are doing the pineapple suckers, our next well. Pineapples are among the course of action will be to add value

23 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS)

John Ogita Ogenga feeding one of the pigs at his farm.

Exotic Pigs Changing Life of Gulu Farmer

Having an interest is one thing, but aggressively picking that interest and nurturing it to fruition is another thing which most people never achieve.

ooking at the story line of He, however, still has his eyes adding, however: “But, my John Ogita, a resident of fixed on poultry when he secures overall goal is to raise the stock LObiya Laro village in Laliya more land. “I was staying in to about 60 piglets because the sub-county in , it is Gulu town before I shifted to demand for pork in our region is comforting to say that he did this place. My plan is to acquire overwhelming.” not only have an interest in more land to accommodate the agriculture at a tender age, but housing units for poultry and It is with optimism that Ogita also aggressively grabbed the pigsties,” he plans. is carrying this business fully opportunity when he was just 20 convinced that it will supplement years. Ogita used the finances he his other sources of income derived from selling 400 broilers so as to enable his five school It is then only understandable and about 150 Kuroiler birds going children attain better that Ogita was among the first to construct the pigsties he is education. farmers to venture into rearing of currently using. It is on the basis Kuroiler birds. of these good structures that To guarantee continuity of NAADS gave him a pig that has his project and dreams, Ogita Before actively taking on so far produced nine piglets. works with his 12-year-old piggery, Ogita first had a hand son, Nobert Akena. During the in poultry. “I used to supply big “They are about three months holidays, Akena feeds the pigs hotels, but for lack of enough old and if I am to sell, my asking and ensures that sty is clean for space, I crossed to piggery since price is about sh200,000 each,” avoidance of diseases. it takes less space,” he argues. he delightedly brags, quickly “My son is so passionate about

24 NewsletterNewsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

John Ogita's son Nobert Akena feeding the pigs at his farm.

the project and he has really helped me to grow it. He ensures that they are well fed and at the right time,” Ogita proudly speaks of Akena. John Ogita and son having a light Although he is nursing plans of expanding moment at the farm. his business, accessing land, the ever rising prices of feeds and lack of adequate veterinary services, are pulling him back. Despite that, Ogita intends to place a foot into growing food security crops like bananas and vegetables for domestic consumption. “It is my desire that an investor sets up hatchery in the district for those interested in poultry keeping to get high quality chicks,” he wishes. My son is so passionate about the project and he has really helped me to grow it. He ensures that they are well fed and at the right time

25 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS)

Deborah Nalubega feeding some of the livestock she has.

Nalubega defies disability for livestock and banana production

Before getting the in-calf heifer, the Nalubega, believes that she could ALTHOUGH 34-year-old Luweero district female be among the many less unfortunate she is physically handicapped, councilor representing people with people with a past history of a ability beyond disability is what most disabilities, mobilized his family troubled life journey basing on her people enviably see in Deborah members, including his siblings and disability status that possibly could Nalubega, a livestock and banana parents to establish the housing unit have partly contributed to life which farmer located in Lukomera village for the heifer. always called for an affirmative in Katikamu sub-county Luweero “I didn’t actually participate in the action to better her own family district. construction of the housing unit livelihood. because of my nature but I provided The fact that she has always craved Notably, Nalubega, who was not the needed supervision,” she says. among the first beneficiaries of the to be a champion of her own life NAADS programme, demonstrated How she started? ensured that every opportunity willingness to venture into livestock that presented itself in form of a In 2015, Nalubega was seconded production when she decided money generating project was taken by the Luweero district council to be to attend the training programs seriously. among the beneficiaries of the in-calf organized in the district. heifers that were being given out By April 2016, Nalubega had started under the NAADS programme. milking her cow. The extra cash

26 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

Nalubega poising with her Cows.

generated from the milk sales has “Sometimes we are duped and buy been a major boost to her other drugs which are substandard we end family income projects. Using the up losing money and compromising proceeds from the milk sales and the lives of the livestock animals,” other savings, she has since added she lamented. The fact another heifer to her flock. “We call upon government to ensure “ that she Having a dairy income project that the animal drug sale points are through milk sales including manure properly inspected and monitored has always she gets from the animal droppings by the government veterinary staff. has helped her to establish a banana The Veterinary staff at the sub- craved to be plantation, a venture that has county should be facilitated with supplemented her earnings. transport means to reach out to the a champion community,” she suggested. “The in-calf heifer extended to me of her own through the NAADS programme As a mitigation strategy, Nalubega by the district officials made me observed that they have resorted life ensured resolve to abandon the begging to hiring private veterinary officers syndrome for hard work,” she and yet government spends a lot that every noted during the interview. of resources paying salaries for the sub-county veterinary staffs whose According to Nalubega, the manure opportunity respective output has been limited from the animal droppings (waste) by lack of transport means. has boosted the banana plantation that and today, she is not worried about She also advises that the heifer presented food security at her home. project should be extended to benefit more farmers in the area In Lukomera village and itself in form because it has proved to be a good surroundings, her dairy cattle project family income project. is now a source of inspiration to of a money residents. Her neighbors including one of the generating “Many now believe that they can school directors at Lukomera village, even work better than me because Charles Opio cherish the example project they are physically normal and have set by Nalubega in her family the ability to do the work which a projects. was taken disabled person may not be able to “She is a person with disability but do,” Nalubega who believes that the takes care of her exotic cattle and seriously. heifer project opened her gates to ensures that her animals are healthy. prosperity says in an interview. She has inspired us to take on the However, Nalubega’s only challenge same projects,” Opio said in an has been lack of specific drug interview. shop outlets where they can buy the proper drugs to vaccinate their animals. 27“ NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS) NAADS aids Kyegegwa Livestock Farmer with quality pasture

One of the pastures fields with the quality fodder.

Quality fodder solution to low milk production ith the ever uncertain which supplied him with Napier for their stable milk production – he climatic conditions, with grass, Kakamega 1, Bracheria and supplies them with quality pasture Wdry spells being the Chloris guyana that he mixes with seedlings. most dominant, thereby affecting maize and sorghum stems to make availability of pastures and milk animal fodder. “Most livestock farmers are doing it production, it is prudent that on small scale and together produce livestock farmers embrace massive “My cows never lack grass. I have 500,000 litres of milk which they pasture growing during wet seasons hay store and a seven acre pasture sell to diary factories in Mbarara and garden, where I regularly harvest, he Kampala,” Mugisa explains. “ in preparation for dry seasons when scarcity abounds. boasts, adding: “I irrigate the pasture during the dry season to maintain The farmers’ production and sale Propelled by this necessity, Robert fodder supply. This has increased of quality milk has equally been Mugisa, a livestock farmer in milk production from 3 to 5 litres to enabled by the milk cooling plant at , has planted the current 8 to 10 litres per cow.” Mpara in Kyegegwa district – it has seven acres of a wide range of regular milk supply from farmers grass varieties. “I will use the grass Hay as an animal fodder is located in Kakabara, Ruyonza, to manufacture silage and hay as increasingly becoming necessarily Rwentuha, Mpara, Hapuyo, Kigambo, fodder supplement for my animals in a situation where ordinary grass Kasule and Kyegegwa sub-counties. during the dry spells,” he plans. cannot satisfy livestock for better milk production. He attributes his knowledge of planting quality grass for forage For this reason, other dairy farmers and hay to the NAADS programme, in the district are thankful of Mugisa

28 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019 Women-led dairy enterprises lighting the way for rural transformation in Due to cultural bias and patriarchy in almost all Ugandan rural societies, most women for so many years have not been economically empowered

nid Akuguzibwe is a smallholder dairy farmer in the yet-to-be commissioned new district of Bugweri, which Eat national level, is a remote place. By 2012-13, Enid could not imagine she would earn over sh6, 000 per day from milk sales. However, luck came her way, when she got five heifers from the government 2 in 2013 and 3 in 2014 from NAADS. “Although one calf died in 2014, four of them have grown up, are healthy and doing well. I get 6-7 liters of milk from them daily. “I sell up to 6 liters at Shs 1,000 per liter. I earn atleast Shs 6,000 a day from milk alone,” says a smiling Akuguzibwe. She thanks NAADS for productive animals that are creating a real change in her life. Enid recalls that prior to NAADS intervention, she had cows, but wasn’t earning such money before, which she’s now able to invest back into her cattle farm. On feeding, Akuguzibwe grows Napier (elephant) grass that she feeds her animals, but hires at Shs 10,000 per hour a chopper machine with which she prepares elephant Enid with her heifers she grass-feeds. “It’s an efficient diesel-powered chopper that recieved from NAADS. produces 900 kilos of feed per hour, so my animals have enough to eat,” she explains, adding: “I supplement grass-feeds with dairy-meal and molasses. We saw in Eldoret, dairy farmers grow soya-beans to include plant-protein in their feeds, that I’ll emulate too.” Otherwise, Akuguzibwe currently spends only Shs70,000 to buy 100kg of dairy-meal, unlike in the past when she used to spend Shs 100,000 to buy 70kgs! It is because she “ produces the largest amounts of feed herself, compared I sell up to 6 to the past when she used to buy all of it from agro-input liters at Shs dealers. A confirmation of BUCOFA’s efficiency in mobilizing, 1,000 per liter. educating and empowering grassroots-farmers is exhibited in Enid—gauged from the outgoing revelations/ I earn atleast testimony. She was informed that her animal shelter/kraal needs Shs 6,000 a day improvement like regular draining of urine and thorough clearing out of all cow-dung, to ensure full health of her from milk alone,” animals. says a smiling Akuguzibwe spends some of her earnings to run a coffee, Akuguzibwe. mango and citrus nursery. 29 29 29 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS)

Joram Nnali a Cocoa farmer in tending to his Cocoa trees

Cocoa turning farmers into instant millionaires lthough Uganda is one of the Hoima districts, where farmers Joram Nnali, a cocoa farmer in countries in the world with have taken advantage of the good Vunamba Village in Sekanyonyi Aclimatic conditions suitable climatic conditions in the area and Sub-county in Mityana District who for cocoa growing, few farmers are free cocoa seedlings distribution by was supported with 1800 Cocoa into growing this lucrative crop, also the NAADS to bolster their incomes. seedlings in 2016 has started to known as ‘the food for the Kings’. realise the fruits of his hard labour. Zadok Byoma of Kyakabadima sub- Used to make high value products county in has planted With a kilo of cocoa at sh6,000 like chocolate, beverages, sweats, six acres of cocoa plants and is so and that of vanilla at sh250,000, cakes, among other luxurious far earning sh10m from an acre of Byuma who relies on his banana products, cocoa is currently mature cocoa he had planted earlier plantation as a shade for his cocoa one of the strategic crops the before the NAADS gave him a big plants that otherwise prefer a forest government through NAADS is push of 2,000 seedlings in 2016. environment that protects them promoting especially in Mityana, against the sun, is destined for Hoima, Mayuge, Kibaale, Mukono, Byuma, another farmer, is carrying greater heights. Kagadi, Kasese, Bundibugyo and out intercropping of cocoa and other places with tropical humid vanilla, two high value crops, while Milton Semugabi, the Kyakabadima conditions. with NAADS support Fred Musinguzi agricultural officer has high hopes in Kagadi has planted four acres in the fortunes to be derived out of With such promotion, the results with NAADS support and will begin cocoa boom. “Five sub-counties in are evident in Kagadi, Mityana and harvesting in a years’ time. Kagadi are actively involved in cocoa

30 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

Cocoa pods ready for harvest

production, with overall production Cocoa earns the country over sh2.1 trillion per annum and is likely to double estimated to be 38 tons,” he explains. following the distribution of over one million cocoa seedlings in the last few years. The production would even be higher, he argues if a solution There are close to 7,000 small holder farmers with 30,756 hectares of cocoa to cocoa wilt disease, which in Bundibugyo, Hoima, Kibale, Kagadi, Mukono, Kasese, Ntoroko, Mpigi and is significantly affecting cocoa Kayunga, among others districts. production by causing overall drying of the crop, is found. NAADS has to date distrubuted 18,175,543 Cocoa seedling to the beneficiary Districts. In , NAADS extended its helping hand through cocoa With a kilo of cocoa at sh6,000 seedlings given to Godfrey and that of vanilla at sh250,000, Beinomugisha, a resident of Kigorobya sub-county, who now Byuma who relies on his banana has two acres of cocoa trees, and is plantation as a shade for his cocoa already harvesting from one acre. plants that otherwise prefer a forest environment that protects Despite the high financial gains, them against the sun, is destined Sunday Bob George, an agricultural for greater heights. officer in charge of Kigorobya sub-county and guides farmers on best practices, says cocoa is being attacked by a squadron of diseases and insects that are causing havoc to the cocoa trees, resulting in losses. Twenty seven districts in Uganda with humid tropical conditions are now engaged into cocoa growing, producing 18,000 metric tons of seed.

31 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS) 45,000 acres of sugar cane plantations to be established in

The Director of Agriculture; Horyal Investments Ltd-Mohamud Ahmed leads the NAADS Management and other officials during a tour of the Atiak Sugar Factory.

total of sh39bn has been decided to invest more resources with a responsibility of providing earmarked this financial into establishment of new sugarcane agricultural inputs and services for Ayear 2019/2020 for the plantations in Lamwo,” said Dr. opening up land and planting of establishment of 45,000 acres of Mugasi. sugar cane as support to the out sugarcane plantations in Palabek grower’s scheme,” he explained Kal sub-county in Lamwo district, For successful implementation during the tour of the towering Northern Uganda, the NAADS of the investment strategy, the facilities. Executive Director; Dr. Samuel Executive Director noted that Mugasi has revealed. NAADS Secretariat has partnered Adding that: “We want to empower with the cooperative societies of and uplift the most vulnerable Speaking during a recent field visit sugar cane farmers, the District Local groups including women in the of the sites where sugarcanes are Governments of Northern Uganda sub-region who are members of the going to be planted, Dr. Mugasi who and Horyal Investments Ltd. cooperative society to have a source was accompanied by the NAADS of livelihood through sugar cane management team observed He noted that a Memorandum growing.” that NAADS has been supporting of Understanding between the sugarcane production in Atiak sub- partners will be signed before the The Government’s intervention is county, since 2017. end of August to enable different aimed at empowering and uplifting implementing parties prepare for the most vulnerable groups including “We have invested over sh20bn project implementation in April women in Northern Uganda sub- in establishing 13,841 acres of 2020. region who are members of the sugar cane in Atiak and following out-growers cooperative societies to our successful intervention, it’s “NAADS is a key stakeholder in the have a source of livelihood through the reason why government has establishment of Atiak sugar factory sugarcane growing.

32 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

At the national level, the executive director observed that the intervention is aimed at boosting sugarcane production for increased sugar production for both domestic and export markets. The Director of Agriculture; Horyal Investments Ltd-Mohamud Ahmed assured NAADS officials that planting of sugar cane in Atiak will be completed by end of the current season- November 2019. Atiak Sugar factory has a capacity to crush 1,650 tonnes (1,650,000kgs) of raw cane daily, producing 66,000 tonnes (66,000,000kgs) of powder sugar annually.

The Director of Agriculture; Horyal Investments Ltd- Mohamud Ahmed checks on the sugarcane in the plantation as Dr. Christopher Bukenya the NAADS Technical service Atiak Sugar Manager looks on. factory has a capacity to crush Some of the Atiak sugarcane outgrowers 1,650 tonnes demonstrate how sugarcane is planted to the The Director of Agriculture; Horyal (1,650,000kgs) Investments Ltd-Mohamud Ahmed and the NAADS Management officials. of raw cane daily, producing 66,000 tonnes (66,000,000kgs) of powder sugar annually

33 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS) The National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) secretariat officials participated in the 27th National Agricultural and trade show in . The annual event that ran from 12th to 21st July 2019 was held under the theme: “Agricultural Technologies And Innovations For Farmer-Led Agro-Industrialization,” The show that sets a platform for displaying and identifying innovations made by local and foreign companies through improved technologies for better production, marketing and poverty eradication was opened by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister; Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda. Also in attendance was the Agriculture Minister; Hon. Vincent Ssempijja, state minister for Works; Gen. Katumba Wamala among other Pictorial of the dignitaries. This year the focus was on how to engage technologies in agricultural production to embrace value addition and industrialization. Indeed the NAADS supported farmers like 2019 Jinja Florence Kayayo from Bunyagabu district among others who exhibited grape wine that she extracts from the grapes was consistent agriculture with the theme. Other exhibitors showcased solar dried pinneaples, honey, propolis, hay, cassava cuttings, flour, oranges and mangoes. Below show are some of the highlights in the pictures.

34 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

35 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS) Heifer turns Mbarara youth into a serious farmer O his peers and village mates, believes that hard work and business they want to do and the he is among the most serious resilience have been his winning challenges and opportunities that Tyouth farmer in this rural formulas. exist in the sector they want to setting. One gets to fully understand venture into. why residents refer to John Kavigi, “I started from scratch, he says. a resident of Kashanyarazi village The only thing that I had was my “You have got to scan and in Kamukuzi division-Mbarara knowledge and a small piece of understand the sector,” he says. Municipality among land,” he recalls. “Some research is necessary before the serious farmers only when they doing anything.” When he was given, the heifer from visit his farm. the NAADS programme, he searched “Youth fear taking the risk” he said. There is no doubt that Kavigi who for information from the internet “However, to know that risk is part has taken livestock farming to about livestock production and that of the game. A farmer may take a another level has embraced the use is why he has managed to take good loan and then their produce gets of knowledge from the internet to care of the heifer. affected by bad weather. That’s ensure his heifer supports his family normal. If young people are to do Kavigi says a big number of young throughout the year. business and succeed they have got people don’t take farming seriously to be brave and patient,” says Lt. Col. But there is more to the self-taught yet it is actually a goldmine. “My Sam Karogo, the Operation Wealth livestock farmer. From a distance, colleagues have either neglected Creation coordinator in charge of one is welcomed by the greenery their heifers or sold them off,” he Kamukuzi. that gives that freshness away from remarked. Kavigi who happens to be a youth the city, thanks to the mango trees, According to Kavigi, university a few banana plants and small fields counsellor in Kamukuzi Division and graduates have a tendency of youth publicity secretary of the NRM of egg plants and tomatoes on the associating farming with illiterates family’s small plot of land. League hails government for the and semi-illiterates, he says. “That’s support which he says has turned Kavigi, who holds a diploma, wrong and it’s depriving many young him into a better farmer. bachelors and master’s degrees people a chance to live a decent in public health from Bishop Stuart life,” “I didn’t know anything about farming, but in May last year a University in Mbarara was among But he also faults financial the 16 youth leaders that were chance came and I was part of the institutions for not supporting youth leaders in Mbarara who were supported with heifers by the agriculture or startups in the sector. NAADS programme in 2018. supported with heifers, the heifer “It’s hard to get a loan to invest which I was given has groomed me “I don’t regret venturing in farming as in farming activities.” Yet, he said, to become a serious farmer which I a graduate, when I get money I plan one does not need huge capital to wasn’t before,” he testified. to expand my project to have at least venture into agriculture. Kavigi gets about 10 litres of milk per five cows under zero grazing. I’m “It’s wrong to think of capital first,” sure with such I will be generating day and earns sh10,000 through milk he noted. “What matters most is the sales alone. He also sells a tipper enough income much better than idea. That’s what leads to a good that of an employed graduate,” says of cow dung at a cost of sh100,000 proposal.” Any amount of money can every after three months. the 28-year-old. start business, he insists. Kavigi, who previously worked He, however, said as youth they still But he warned young people with have a challenge of limited access as a marketer for a chain of food intentions to start business to first supplements in Mbarara district, to land for their different agricultural get acquainted with the kind of undertakings.

36 Newsletter Issue No 2 August 2019

Rwenzori agricultural industrial parks get sh10bn boost

HE Government through the on the roadmap for coordination and Lt. Gen. Charles Angina told the National Agricultural Advisory implementation of the work plan for meeting that OWC is committed TServices (NAADS) has allotted the execution of the industrial parks. to coordinate and play its role sh10bn towards the development of of monitoring and evaluation to two agricultural industrial parks in The executive director observed ensure that the industrial parks are Kabarole and Kasese districts. that resources shall be used to established as planned. facilitate a number of activities The agricultural parks are expected including opening and grading of Mr. Henry Kisitu; a representative to introduce new research roads, street lighting, electricity and from Uganda Investment Authority technologies to enhance value water extension, fencing, drawing noted that his Organisation is addition to boost exports from the of detailed physical and site plans, already working with the two district entire Rwenzori sub-region. survey and titling, and capacity Local governments such that the building for selected private sector developed industrial parks confirm The development is under the players among others. to the international standards that Presidential initiative on Agro would attract serious investors. Industrialization for Local Economic The Kasese Municipality Town Clerk; Development (AGRILED) in the Innocent Ahimbisibwe told the The meeting set up two committees Rwenzori sub-region and the initial meeting that Kasese has already to develop an implementation activities are coordinated by the allocated 216.96 acres for the schedule and come up with timelines NAADS Secretariat. establishment of the industrial and for each phase of development business park. Speaking during the inception The committee on physical meeting for the various key actors at According to Ahimbisibwe, the infrastructure has membership from the NAADS Secretariat boardroom, district has developed a master plan Uganda National Roads Authority, the NAADS executive director; Dr. for the industrial park and their plan NAADS/OWC, National Water Samuel Mugasi noted that the two is to prioritise agro-processing, ICT, and Sewerage Corporation, Rural district local governments will share mineral beneficiation and tourism. Electrification Agency, Kasese and sh8bn while the remaining sh2bn Local Governments, will be for validation exercises and On her part, the Kabarole district Ministry of Local Government and facilitating OWC activities in the sub- Chief Administrative Officer; Ms. Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). region. Phiona Sanyu said the district has demarcated 200 acres and in The second committee for The meeting that was attended by addition developed an investment investment is comprised of Uganda stakeholders from the government policy ahead of the development of Development Corporation, UIA, ministries, departments and the industrial park. Uganda Industrial Research Institute, agencies and district Local Ministry of Local Government and Governments recently deliberated The deputy Coordinator of OWC; the two District Local Governments.

37 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS)

38 NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES (NAADS) Steps of Acquiring Agricultural Inputs

1 2

The district assesses the A farmer presents his/her requests submitted by the request for input needs to farmers and compiles the his/her farmer group or takes it to the Production stocking materials required across the district.

3 4

NAADS Secretariat makes The District submits their an assessment of district submissions and sends an Secretariat. advice slip to each with details of how much inputs are to be provided based on the available resources.

5 6

Communication is sent to NAADS Secretariat procures the farmers on the the agricultural inputs from availability of the inputs (type and quantity) and the providers who deliver the date of distribution to inputs to the district. enable them prepare adequately.

7 8

The Input Distribution The supplier delivers the Committee at the district inputs to the Parish/ Sub makes an inspection of the County and distribution is delivered inputs to ensure done accordingly. The the right quantity and farmer signs the distribution quality as per given sheet. The sheet is endorsed by Operation Wealth Creation (OWC),extension stu and Parish/ Sub County Chief.

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