Senior Reporter
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries has allocated agro-industrialization machinery worth millions of shillings to farmer groups in Ntungamo District. The initiative aims to enable these groups to enhance the value addition of their agricultural produce.
The senior district agriculture officer, Atwiine Esther, highlighted that the Rwabakyeneka organic farmers’ group in Rwahi-Rwentobo town council and the Jenifer Kabeije group in Ngoma Sub County, both in Rushenyi County, received essential machinery such as crushers, knapsack sprayers, threshers, sorting machines, moisture meters, weighing scales, seed sealers, and thermal hygrometers. These machines, which were previously lacking, are expected to facilitate the quick processing of orange sweet potato vines (Ekitakuri kya kinzaari) and iron-rich beans, ultimately boosting their income.
Atwiine emphasized that the provision of these machines is crucial for addressing the long-standing challenges faced by farmer groups, including the lack of value addition capabilities. The specific focus on beans and orange sweet potato vines aligns with the agricultural activities of the Rwabakyeneka organic farmers’ group and the Jenifer Kabeije group, respectively.
Ntungamo District, renowned for its high-quality and quantity of beans in the southwestern region, has committed to supporting farmers in overcoming challenges related to seed sovereignty. The Chairman LCV Ntungamo, Samuel Mucunguzi Rwakigoba Salongo, stressed the district’s dedication to promoting value addition as a means to alleviate poverty at the household level. He urged the farmer groups to effectively utilize the provided machinery and increase their production.
Twesigye David, a member and trainer of the Rwabakyeneka organic farmers’ group, expressed gratitude, stating that the machines would significantly contribute to boosting their productivity. Chairman LCV Ntungamo, Samuel Mucunguzi Rwakigoba Salongo, issued a warning to the farmer groups, urging them to maximize the use of the delivered machines and double their production.
