Mak don transforming lives of Masindi peasants through modern agriculture

MASINDI – Prof. Samuel Majalija, from Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resource and Biosecurity, is training farmers in Masindi district in good agronomic practices with the aim of helping them to boost household incomes.

Prof. Majalija says he has brought his expertise and experience back home to improve different animal and crop species to boost farm production and productivity.

The professor who hails from Rukondwa village, Bikonzi in Masindi district has set up a farm located about eight kilometres from Masindi town. on the farm  he rears exotic goats, cattle, sheep, and pigs nd does crossbreeding here, helping local farmers to improve their local breeds and earn more money.

“I hate poverty. We have many people who are poor and yet they have resources like land. They also lack knowledge. I am urging my fellow professionals to come out and be proactive to help farmers. We don’t need to be theoretical but practical,” said Majalija.

He says he intends to introduce a community poultry breeding project to hatch local eggs. However, he says he has set up centres where farmers can procure animal drugs.

“I am excited that people are learning and embracing best farming practices. As an expert, I am happy that my initiatives are transforming the lives of community members,” the professor notes.

Majalija hosts different visitors who come to learn modern agricultural practices on his farm and recently he hosted a delegation from Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom. The guests were led by Andrew Byakutaga, the kingdom’s prime minister, the Resident District Commissioner [RDC] Masindi, and over 60 farmers who learned good agronomic practices.

Byakutaga commended Majalija, saying he is complementing the kingdom in its efforts to have each family have a model household.

“This is the way to go. We launched a campaign of having model households in the kingdom. This will help us have enough food to boost nutrition and household income. This is what we’re promoting as a kingdom. People must use whatever size of land they have to produce. We have also trained our chiefs to sensitise our subjects on having model homes,” said Byakutaga.

What other farmers say

Gilbert Kiirya, a farmer from Rukondwa village in Bikonzi Sub-county says the extension services he gets from professor Majalija have helped him to improve his farm.

“I was practicing poor agriculture and almost earning nothing from it. However, since I started learning from prof. Majalija, I have been making good money. He has knowledge about growing crops and livestock. If you follow his advice, you benefit from what you are doing,” said Kiirya who owns 11 acres of coffee and is involved in poultry, and goat rearing.

Rashid Mugisa, Bujenje County chief and also a farmer commended Majalija for helping farmers to build cost-effective shelters for animals like pigs, cattle, and chicken, using materials that locals can afford.

“He has taught us how to keep animal sheds clean,” Mugisa said, adding that they no longer look at animal rearing as a dirty activity but profitable one.

Jacob Byemaro, a farmer from Kisalizi Cell in Bulima Town Council says Majalija helped farmers to practice modern agriculture even on small pieces of land where they have rabbits and goats.

“He has trained us to start small if we are to grow big. He has helped us get effective medicines for our animals and we are continuing to benefit from him,” he noted.

Emmy Nagabirano, RDC Masindi commended Majalija, noting that he would be supported by government since he is contributing to socio-economic transformation.

“I am happy that Prof. Majalija is involving the community members in modern agriculture, using his expertise.  As government, we are going to support him,” said Nagabirano.

https://thecooperator.news/pdm-lango-farmers-urged-to-take-up-modern-farming/

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