Kiryandongo agribusiness groups receive post-harvest handling equipment
KIRYANDONGO, January 11, 2024 – Kiryandongo district authorities have handed over four tricycles and three maize shellers to four strategic agribusiness groups under the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project [DRDIP].
The tricycles were handed over to the leaders of Kakwokwo, Mboira, Kikuube and Southern ward strategic investment groups which had earlier on received maize milling machines worth Shs 740 million. Each tricycle cost Shs 8.8mln while each sheller cost Shs 6.75mln.
The maize shellers used mainly to separate the seeds from the husk or cob are also important in post-harvest handling as the farm machines will also be used to reduce the moisture content of the maize, even though they will further generate revenue for the beneficiary groups.
During the handover ceremony at the Kiryandongo district headquarters on Wednesday, Martin Jacan Gwokto the Chief Administrative Officer Kiryandongo commended the government for empowering the communities in the fight against household poverty through various livelihood projects.
Gwokto therefore urged the beneficiaries, mostly farmers, to effectively use the machines provided and maintain them through timely servicing.
On her part, the Kiryandongo district LCV Chairperson, Edith Aliguma urged leaders to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of the farm equipment so as to avoid disintegrating the beneficiary groups.
Aliguma further advisied the beneficiaries to diversify their economic activities and create wealth at household level.
Dan Muganga, the Resident District Commissioner Kiryandongo emphasised that the investments by government should help in transforming the lives of the beneficiary members by improving their standards of living and incomes at household level.
“I caution the beneficiaries against misuse of the equipment provided so as to avoid conflicts among the group members. The equipment should not be personalised but rather shared among the group members and the community,” said Muganga.
The strategic investments installed under Development Response to Displacement Impact Project will help in improving post-harvest handling and value addition to maize which is a district flagship agricultural enterprise that has attracted clients from within Uganda and the neighbouring countries.
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