Senior Reporter
Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, emphasized the sustainability of farming as a wealth-generating activity during a recent address. He acknowledged that while farming may not be the most profitable venture, it is sustainable and contributes to building wealth at home. Tumwebaze urged the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations to guide the government in adding more value to milk production, creating marketable milk products, and stabilizing milk prices to prevent fluctuations.
Speaking at a gathering of dairy farmers trained at Rubyerwa Dairy Investments Limited in Rwanyamahembe town council, Kashari South, Mbarara district, Tumwebaze represented Vice President Maj Jesca Alupo. At the event, a genetic center for semen bank production was commissioned to enhance the breeding of improved dairy cattle in the western region through artificial insemination.
Tumwebaze commended SNV for supporting Rubyerwa Dairy Investments Limited, owned by Mrs. Nshangano Phelomena, for providing practical training on the milk value chain and cost-saving to farmers. He advised the trained farmers to form clusters to market milk and its products and to offer farmer-to-farmer extension services, emphasizing the reliability of such services due to farmers’ firsthand experience with livestock challenges.
Mrs. Nshangano Phelomena, the Executive Director of Rubyerwa Dairy Investments Limited, shared that the farm’s success was attributed to managing it as a family dairy business. The governing body includes family members and community members who both provide and access services on the farm.
Hon. Margret Ayebare Rwebyambu, the Mbarara District Woman Member of Parliament, praised Mrs. Nshangano Phelomena for hosting the dairy farmers and advised those interested in dairy farming to make proper preparations to avoid losses.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the RDC Mbarara Turyabagyenyi Emmanuel Kateera, Mbarara District Chairperson Tabaro Didus Tumwesigye, production departmental staff, and local leaders.
