Derrick Ampereza
SNV Netherlands Development Association, through its Inclusive Dairy Enterprise Tide, has recently provided a donation of a silage machine and additional equipment to Migyina Dairy Farm in Nyarushanje sub-county, aimed at enhancing dairy farming in Rukungiri district.
Steven Ayikyiriza, the senior dairy advisor of the SNV project in Uganda, mentioned that Migyina Farm has been a partner since 2015 and was chosen to benefit from the program. The donated silage machine and equipment will serve as a demonstration center, allowing farmers to gain practical knowledge about dairy farming.
Steven Ayikyiriza disclosed that the Tide program will conclude its support for large-scale farmers in southwestern Uganda by the end of the year. Nevertheless, the donated equipment will remain accessible for farmers and agriculture students to continue improving their farms.
Over the span of eight years, SNV has been actively involved in training dairy farmers to enhance farm productivity. This includes the establishment of practical dairy training farms, support for on-farm investments, strengthening cooperatives, and improving dairy services for farmers.
Canon Wilson Kyereta expressed gratitude for the positive impact of the SNV program over the past eight years at Migyina Dairy Farm. He acknowledged the valuable lessons they’ve received on improving dairy farming practices. Canon Wilson Kyereta thanked SNV for generously donating modern machines to Migyina Dairy Farm, emphasizing their significance in producing silage for cattle and serving as a knowledge resource for other farmers and agricultural students, contributing to the overall improvement of dairy farming.
Despite these advancements, Canon Wilson Kyereta highlighted the challenges faced by dairy farmers, including issues with ticks, counterfeit pesticides, and the low price of milk, which have significantly impacted the dairy sector in Rukungiri district.
