Itubara cooperative in Oyam gets bulking centre
OYAM, September 13, 2023 – The Development Initiative for Northern Uganda [DINU], a government programme through the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO] has constructed a bulking store for Itubara Farmers’ Cooperative in Abok Sub-county, Oyam district.
The bulking centre, according to Dr Alfred Kumakech, a researcher at NARO based in Ngetta in Lira City, was constructed with funding from the European Union [EU].
He said they are building the capacity of farmers to be able to produce enough food for both consumption and commercial purposes.
Speaking during the handover of the satellite store at Abok Sub-county on Tuesday Kumakech said they need farmers to bulk their produce, get a better market, and sell without being cheated by the middlemen.
“With support from the European Union we are building the capacity of our farmers to see that they are able to have food security, able to take their children to school, treat themselves, and fairly have improved standards of living,” Kumakech said.
Philips Ogile, the LCIII chairperson of Abok Sub-county, called upon the farmers to produce enough, and bulk in the satellite store, saying they are tired of middlemen who cheat farmers.
He called upon NARO to link the farmers to access accredits in the bank to enhance their production and productivity.
Benson Dila the Oyam LCV chairperson, advised farmers not to be discouraged by the climate change trending in the country but also to plant improved seeds for a better yields.
Irene Chelengat, the deputy chief administrative officer Oyam, said they want to see the impact of the store because it will enable them to produce more food, earn more money, improve livelihood and socio-economic transformation.
She encouraged them to embrace the culture of saving.
Tom Aporo, a member of Itubara Farmers’ Cooperative said they will use the store to bulk produce, but also use it as a venue to train members.
Jackie Adongo, a farmer, said they have been selling their produce at a low price and commended NARO for building them a bulking centre.
https://thecooperator.news/oyam-cooperative-asks-govt-for-maize-seeds/
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