Agago coops to benefit from white sorghum pilot project
AGAGO– Five cooperative societies in Agago district are to be supported to grow white sorghum as the second season sets in. This is after Uganda Breweries Limited said it would buy the farmers’ produce to brew beer.
The five beneficiary cooperatives for the sorghum project are Lukole, Parabongo, Wol, Paimol, and Acwa.
The pilot project to take five years, will see 1,000 farmers working under cooperatives supported to open farmlands whose loans will be provided by Equity Bank. Each farmer will at least open up three acres of farmland.
According to Zoris Bongomin, the executive director Global Educational Network Uganda, they have been contracted to ensure that farmers produce high-quality sorghum grains.
Global Educational Network Uganda helps farmers in areas of production, post-harvest handling, bulking, marketing, and financial support in banking institutions.
To him the five-year project has been piloted in Agago district and later, it will be launched in other districts upon its success.
“It is a pilot project but we have started with Agago but it will spread in the other district looking at its first output,” he said.
Chairperson Parabongo Cooperative Bosco Otim, lauded the initiative of supporting the farmers, adding that it’s another way of improving their lives at the household level.
The cooperative that has been in existence for 15 years has 2,700 members, majority being the youth and women.
Otim said the members are willing to take the initiative since it comes with ready market for the produce.
Many farmers have already registered to take part in the enterprise and they are already preparing their farmlands.
However, Joyce Laker, a farmer, asked Uganda Breweries Limited not to frustrate them when the sorghum is ready for sale.
“We have an experience where we are told to grow a particular crop and when the harvest period comes we get stuck with what is produced,’’ she advised.
Chairperson Lukole Grain Farmers’ Area Cooperative Enterprises Limited Charles Utim, lauded the initiative adding that the support will boost production among those who have taken up the enterprise.
“Access to better seeds has been lacking and that is why we have been getting poor yields but as support comes our way there is no doubt that our production percentage will rise higher,’’ he said.
Geoffrey Otema, the Agago district commercial officer, said they would support the partners if they go through the right channels.
“As long as they sign MOU with the beneficiaries to void further misunderstanding that might arise in the future, as the district we welcome the partnership that is geared towards development,’’ he said.
“As the district, we are left with mobilizing the farmers and encouraging them to produce what is required and meet the standards, he advised those who have picked up the venture.”
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