Farmers urged to embrace modern technology to improve production
Farmers have been encouraged to work in groups and cooperatives if they are to improve output, access sustainable markets for their produce and affordable inputs for their agricultural activities.
Speaking during the farmers’ training and exhibition at Saza Playground, Justus Ahimbisibwe, the Ibanda Community Organization Network (ICON), said the government and non-profit organizations in the agriculture sector are always willing to support organized farmers in different ways, including provision of improved seeds and animal breeds, equipment and training.
The three-day event which attracted farmers, input suppliers, innovators, and educational institutions was organized by ICON, Ibanda District Farmers’ Association (IBADIFA) and Ibanda district local government and aimed at creating market linkages among farmers and buyers.
Dr Ferdinand Bitanihirwe, the IBADIFA chairperson asked farmers to adopt appropriate technologies to improve production, increase output, become competitive and access good markets.
Sylvia Naturinda, the event organizing committee chairperson and ICON CEO, added that harnessing technology in production and value addition would enable the farmers to access better markets.
Speaking during the same function, Asaph Nabimanya, from Apinet Uganda, asked Beekeepers to embrace modern hives and practices, like feeding the bees well on supplementary feeds to improve production.
Nabimanya noted that poor husbandry practices like bees traveling long distances in search of food and water and the use of traditional hives are largely to blame for the minimal levels of productivity in the sector.
Maurice Mutabazi, the Ibanda district entomologist revealed Ibanda district has about 800 beekeepers, producing an estimated 2,000 kgs of honey annually.
Patience Akampa Katungye, from Bin Dairy, a women’s group involved making yoghurt and other milk products, appreciated the organizers of the exhibition saying they have been able to market collectively, easing market access.
