Over 500 pioneer farmers get macadamia seedlings in Agago
AGAGO– A total of 525 farmers in Agago district have each received 10 seedlings of Macadamia to plant, which will help boost farmers’ incomes in the future, among other benefits related to health.
The distribution of the Macadamia seedlings is under Make Acholi Green Again initiative, a group of commercial farmers among other stakeholders who are seeking to re-green the sub-region that has fallen to deforestation as thousands of natural trees have been cut majorly for charcoal burning.
Macadamia starts bearing fruits at three years producing an average of 7 and 10 kilograms per tree. The tree yields an average of 55kgs of nuts for a period of over 100 years.
Macadamia grows on fertile, well-drained upland soils with an annual rainfall of between 1,000–2,000mm and optimum temperatures of 25 °C and not falling below 10 °C.
The farmers received the macadamia tree seedlings during the inauguration held in Patongo Sub County in which Uganda`s Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo launched the commercial farming of the tree.
Owiny said that commercial macadamia tree production seeks to encourage farmers in Acholi Sub Region to embrace the cultivation of high-value crops since it brings in high economic proceeds. He says they also seek to restore the depleted tree cover due to the commercial farming that has been taking place in the region.
According to Owiny, the fruit and nut tree is among the most underexploited trees in the region yet it has the potential of boosting the local and Uganda`s economy.
Macadamia production in Acholi sub region was first piloted by Agago last year.
Simon Ojok Odoch, a technical specialist on macadamia production in the region said Macadamia has the potential to adapt to the soils and climate.
Macadamia nuts are also rich in food nutrients and beneficial in the management of several health conditions including heart diseases, improve digestion, weight management and blood sugar control among others.
Morris Ocana, the LCV Vice Chairperson of Agago district speaking during the seedling distribution discouraged farmers from planting initial cash crops like cotton and tobacco and food crops whose financial value has degraded and is heavily infested by pests and diseases.
https://thecooperator.news/heavy-rains-ravage-rwampara-farmers-advised-to-plant-trees/
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