Bunyoro farmers urged to embrace oil seed project to boost household incomes
Under NOSP, farmers in the selected districts will receive support including quality seeds, agricultural extension services, market access, training in financial management, and guidance in post-harvest handling
HOIMA, July 11, 2025 –– Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF] have called on farmers in the Bunyoro region to embrace the National Oil Seed Project [NOSP], aimed at increasing household incomes through commercial oil seed production.
The government recently launched the seven-year NOSP initiative to develop and commercialise oil seed crops, specifically sunflower, soybeans, groundnuts, and sesame.
The project is currently being implemented in the districts of Hoima, Kikuube, Masindi, Kiryandongo, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Luwero, Kyankwanzi, and Sembabule.
Under NOSP, farmers in the selected districts will receive support including quality seeds, agricultural extension services, market access, training in financial management, and guidance in post-harvest handling.
During a stakeholder engagement meeting held on Monday at Hoima District Headquarters, NOSP Hoima Hub Coordinator Andrew Kaahwa introduced Reign Business and Development Agency [REBDA], the organisation contracted to implement the project over the remaining three years, up to 2028, in the 10 participating districts.
Kahwa explained that NOSP aims to strengthen the oil seed value chain and improve market linkages for smallholder farmers.
Jiles Agambe, Executive Director of REBDA, stated that the project targets over 120,000 smallholder farmers, 60 percent of whom are women, and 40 percent young people.
According to Agambe, the project also aims to improve local transport infrastructure to facilitate the commercialisation of the oil seed sector and enhance market access.
In Hoima District, oil seed crops are currently being grown in Buseruka, Kapapi, Buhanika, Bombo, and Kiganja sub-counties, with over 56 active farmer groups.
Agambe urged local leaders in the benefiting districts to mobilise farmers to take full advantage of the initiative. He emphasised that the project offers an opportunity for farmers to shift towards modern, commercial farming and improve their yields.
“Farmers should embrace the project right from the start. Too often, people wait to see how a project performs before getting involved, and by the time they join, it’s already too late,” he said.
Hoima Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Michael Kyakashari called on the project implementers to sensitise beneficiaries to ensure they understand the purpose and potential of the project.
He noted that the project’s implementation reflects the government’s commitment to moving citizens from subsistence farming into the money economy as part of wider social and economic transformation.
“The district is fully committed to supporting this project to ensure its success,” Kyakashari added.
The NOSP is funded through a loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development [IFAD] and is being implemented across six hubs: West Nile, Northern and Mid-North, Eastern, Mid-Western, and Karamoja.
https://thecooperator.news/challenges-hinder-performance-of-national-oil-seed-project/
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