The 2018 best farmers in Uganda Sunday left for the Netherlands for a tour that will also see them train in best farming practices.
The 13 lucky farmers were flagged off by the permanent secretary in Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Pius Wakabi Kasajja.
The team comprised winners in last year’s edition of the ‘Uganda Best farmer’s competition’ which celebrates best framing practices nationally as part of efforts to encourage farmers to take up commercial agriculture methods. The competition that has been running since 2014, is a partnership between DFCU Bank, Vision Group under the New Vision, KLM and the Netherlands Embassy.
Mr. Wakabi who was also the guest of honor, urged farmers to take advantage of the study tour to improve their skills and further transform the country’s socioeconomic status.
“Choose want to be what you want to be after the training, pick on experience and pass it to the rest of the Ugandans for the sector to thrive,” he said adding that agriculture is a business that requires experience and time.
He said government is committed to investing in agriculture through infrastructural development in term of roads and electricity for agro- processing industries. He commended all the partners whose commitment has led to the continued success of the competition.
The CEO of DFCU Bank, Matthias Katamba applauded the initiative’s partners whose efforts have made it a resounding success. He congratulating the winners, wishing them a fruitful learning experience.
“Uganda’s agricultural capacity is almost unmatched. At full utilization, we can cater to the food needs of almost 200 million. This sector also gives us the opportunity to transforming the economy through improved production, productivity, post-harvest handling and marketing.”
Katamba noted that the competition’s last theme, ‘‘Farming as a business’ was a reflection of the current state of agriculture in the country.”
The CEO of Vision Group, Robert Kabushenge, urged the farmers to embrace time and go along with some of their projects for advice from agricultural experts.
Betty Mbazira from Isingiro district was the overall winner in 2018 farming competition, earning herself Shs50 million. She is the first woman to win the annual competition since it started five years ago.
Other farmers who made it to the list of top 10 include Patrick Ssekimpi from Luwero district, Deo Mugisa Bunyangabu District, Shamim Napakol Osekeny Bukedea, Moses Kiptala, Kween District, Vincent Ojok Lira District, Faridah Lutale Arua District and Joyce Acan, from Gulu District.
Aloysius Lubega from Wakiso District emerged the second followed by Julius Bataamye from Kamuli district who received cheques worthy Sh30 million and sh20 million respectively.
