Nabbanja unveils 4-Acre Model farm in Kakumiro district

KAKUMIRO, June 23, 2025 –– President Yoweri Museveni on Saturday commissioned a model and skilling farm in Kakumiro district, owned by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.

The farm was established with technical support from the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO] to demonstrate the effectiveness of the 4-Acre Model, an agricultural strategy initiated  by Museveni. The model is designed to help smallholder farmers maximise productivity on limited land by integrating food crops, cash crops, livestock, and poultry.

Nabbanja’s farm serves as a practical example of how the 4-Acre Model can transform rural livelihoods, boost household incomes, and enhance food security. It incorporates a variety of high-value enterprises, including onions, bananas, poultry, vegetables, pasture, dairy cattle, piggery, and coffee.

The farm also features a mother garden for improved Kituza Robusta [KR] coffee varieties developed by NARO, serving both as a training hub and a source of high-quality planting materials for surrounding communities.

Speaking at the commissioning, Nabbanja commended NARO’s technical guidance and innovation in establishing the farm. She emphasised the importance of practical demonstration in inspiring communities and validating government-led agricultural models:

“This farm is a demonstration that with the right support, every Ugandan can benefit from agriculture. I thank NARO for walking this journey with me and helping turn this vision into reality. It is a true example of leadership by doing.”

Dr Yona Baguma, Director General of NARO, underscored the significance of science-led agriculture and the need to scale up proven agricultural models: “NARO has developed improved, high-yielding, resilient coffee varieties, specifically KR1 to KR10. We have further developed technology for rapidly multiplying these varieties to ensure they are accessible to farmers.’’

“The mother garden established here is one of over 700 across the country and, in our assessment, the one at the Prime Minister’s farm is second only to that at the National Coffee Research Institute [NaCORI]. Through this technology, NARO is fulfilling the government’s commitment to providing quality planting materials to farmers, increasing productivity at farm level.”

Baguma also highlighted NARO’s broader contributions beyond coffee: “We have developed and rolled out improved banana varieties capable of producing harvestable bunches within just one year if well managed. The banana plantation at this farm, established in August last year, is already over 80% at the fruiting stage. This is a clear demonstration of NARO’s commitment to enhancing resilient food security through fast-growing, fast-maturing varieties.”

He further noted that NARO has developed intensive dairy management systems to boost productivity. Recognising that not all farmers can afford high-cost facilities, the organisation has also demonstrated affordable alternatives using locally available materials that deliver similar results:

“This model farm is a powerful response to the President’s call for practical demonstration of the 4-Acre Model to ensure both food and economic security. Based on our assessment, it is indeed a model worth replicating across the country.”

Baguma also revealed that in addition to the 4-Acre Model, NARO is developing 1-Acre and 2-Acre versions to address land scarcity in areas such as Kabale, the Mount Elgon region, and others:

“These models will further empower farmers to break the cycle of poverty. We therefore call upon the government and His Excellency the President to support NARO in rapidly rolling out these models across the country, aligning them with the Parish Development Model [PDM] and other government initiatives. Importantly, these models provide platforms to engage and recruit youth and women into the money economy.”

Reflecting on the transformation, Baguma added: “When we began designing this model farm in August last year, the site was rocky and seemingly unproductive. Today, it stands as a thriving example of how science-led agriculture can turn adversity into opportunity.”

Dr Swidiq Mugerwa, NARO’s Deputy Director General in charge of Research Coordination, informed the President that the farm currently collects 150 litres of milk daily, with each litre selling at Shs 1,500. Additionally, it produces 266 trays of eggs daily, each tray selling at Shs 10,000.

He also highlighted the farm’s role in supplying coffee seedlings across the region, with the capacity to produce over 400,000 seedlings annually.

Mugerwa emphasised: “This model demonstrates how small farms can be economically viable, productive, and serve as a foundation for community transformation.”

Meanwhile, the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, commended the government for its continued support of agricultural research. He also praised NARO for its efforts in establishing demonstration farms and skilling centres nationwide to promote practical learning and empower farmers.

https://thecooperator.news/nabbanja-launches-first-ever-pathogen-bioscience-industrial-park/

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