MASINDI, June 21, 2024 – Korea International Cooperation Agency [KOICA] together with Q- Feed Company Limited are currently training members of One Accord Kiryana Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited [OAKFCSL] in Kabutukuru village in Miirya Sub-county, Masindi district on quality maize, and soybean production.
KOICA, and OAKFCSL] partnered a year ago, leading to the launch of the Inclusive Business Solutions [IBS] project aiming at building the capabilities of commercial farmers to sustain the production of quality maize, and soybeans.
The partners have funded the construction of a warehouse and drying system which is nearing completion in Kabutukuru village.
According to Davison Nuwagaba, OAKFCSL’s Assets Committee Chairperson, through the partnership with KOICA, they are going to have two tractors to help farmers them plough their fields at a subsidised cost.
“We are going to help the farmers who are members of the cooperative [OAKFCSL] to access land, connect them to the market, connect members to the banks and also transport maize to the warehouse for storage,” Nuwagaba explained.
On Friday, the members were taken through the best agronomic practices, proper use of agro-inputs, post harvest handling and the best varieties to grow among others.
On his part, Emmanuel Kabugo, Field Manager Q- Feed Company Limited challenged the farmers on quality, saying that maize is grown for human consumption, and animal feed.
“We are ready to buy all the maize you produce but we’re not going to buy maize with aflatoxin. That’s why we are training you now to avoid such incidences. Don’t dry maize on a bare ground because it will get spoiled. Desist from harvesting unready maize because it will affect the quality,” he advised.
Executives from Post Bank Uganda, and Equity Bank Uganda also took the cooperative’s members through the processes of loan application.
“If you are to get financial service from the banks, ensure that you are in groups. Even government is no longer supporting individuals. For us we are free and ready to give you any amount of money you want provided you are united, organised and have projects,” Equity Bank Uganda Manager, Denis Kunihira, said.
Duncan Mwesigwa, OAKFCSL’s treasurer emphasised the need to have a positive attitude towards the cooperative, saying that people who have worked together have not remained the same.
“These people have come from far to work with us. Let’s use this opportunity to develop ourselves. We have been complaining of lack of market for maize but now we have got it,” he noted.
On his part, Moses Kalyegira, District Commercial Officer Masindi commended KOICA for the partnership with the local cooperative, challenging the cooperative members to take advantage of it to produce on large scale but also emphasise quality.
He further appealed to the leadership of the cooperative and the members to always ensure that they follow the values which govern cooperatives if they are to grow it to greater heights.
“I want to commend you for working together because now even partners are channeling money to the people who are united. You can see even government is supporting people who are working in groups. You can’t develop when your working as an individual. Also ensure that you implement what you have learnt,” he said.
https://thecooperator.news/over-140-coops-in-masindi-have-expired-certificates/
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