Smallholder farmers in Teso to benefit from market linkages
SOROTI – Smallholder farmers in Teso Sub-region will in the near future be helped to get market for their produce market by African Women Agrobusiness Network [AWAN], a non-governmental organisation that provides information on trading in different markets.
Talking to the farmers over the weekend at Eneku village Guesthouse Soroti City, Joyce Atuhaire, the executive director AWAN pointed out that they will be able to support farmers tap into the available market opportunities.
Among the districts to benefit from the support will be; Katakwi, Kapelebyong, and Amuria where they have selected 15 lead farmers who will each recruit 20 more to make 300 farmers.
Atuhaire said the selected farmers will grow pumpkins, groundnuts, Hass Avocado, and soybeans, and that the market for the agricultural produce will be readily availed.
“We buyers of these products from various places in Uganda, Dubai, UK, and Kenya,” she said.
She also added that the farmers will be supported with harvesting crates and tarpaulins to solve the challenge of post-harvest handling.
Speaking in an interview, Gonzaga Okurut, director Great Harvest, said they will be providing market linkages and also promote the growing of specific crops like soybeans, groundnuts.
“We are looking at increasing market access for farmers and better pricing because they [farmers] are normally cheated,” he said.
He said access to market is one of the biggest challenges most farmers face, noting, “It is also worth thanking the middlemen for their contribution in the value chain.”
Okurut said they are making farming more productive and profitable for Ugandan farmers. He said commercial farming is critical in reducing poverty, boosting prosperity, and creating jobs.
He said there is need to organise farmers in one location so that they provide to a specific product and tonnage.
Okurut finally applauded Soroti Catholic Diocese Integrated Development Organisation [SOCADIDO], and AWAN for promoting farming and advised them to enhance the capacity building of the farmers so that they increase production.
However, Charles Operemo, the quality production and compliance officer, Great Harvest, urged the farmers to stick to timeliness, standards, compliance, and quality.
He noted that most farmers face challenges when it comes to post-harvest handling and that there is need for improvement.
Operemo pledged to provide the necessary support to the farmers to produce quality products so that they get good prices.
Christine Akwii, a farmer and resident from Katakwi said the knowledge she received will help her sell her produce.
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