In a major development for agriculture in Busoga, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Kamuli Woman Member of Parliament and Minister of East African Affairs, assured local farmers of the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank’s (NAGRC&DB) continued support. At a special ceremony held in Kamuli district, Kadaga presided over the distribution of livestock and farming inputs aimed at transforming agricultural practices in the region.
The Impact of NAGRC’s Support in Busoga
The event marked a significant step in NAGRC’s mission to support farmers in Busoga. Over 139 farmer groups in the region received a range of resources, including 50,000 Kuroiler chickens, 180 grandparent pure-bred pigs, 185 Kasolwe goats, 500 bags of fertility-boosting mineral salt, and other farming supplies. NAGRC’s involvement is key to diversifying agriculture in Busoga, providing farmers with high-quality breeding stock and inputs to help them move beyond traditional sugarcane cultivation.
Kasolwe Stock Farm: A Hub for Agricultural Innovation
Kasolwe Stock Farm, located in Kamuli district, has become a key asset in NAGRC’s agricultural strategy. The farm, managed by NAGRC, has been transformed into a hub for high-value agro-enterprises, including dairy cattle breeding, pig breeding, poultry breeding, and fish farming. One of the farm’s standout successes is the development of the Kasolwe Brown Goat, a breed known for its ability to thrive in harsh environments and its twinning abilities. This breed has quickly gained popularity among East African farmers due to its rapid growth and resilience.
Supporting Local Economy Through Kasolwe Feed Plant
A crucial component of Kasolwe’s success is its animal feed production plant, launched in 2022 by Kadaga. The plant produces a wide range of animal feeds, including poultry feeds, dairy meals, fish feeds, and goat pellets. These feeds are produced using raw materials sourced from local Busoga farmers, creating a circular economy that benefits the entire region. By providing affordable, high-quality feeds, Kasolwe’s feed plant has helped increase the productivity of local farms and enhanced the livelihoods of Busoga’s farming community.
Kadaga’s Commitment to Busoga’s Agricultural Future
Kadaga took the opportunity to emphasize her commitment to continuing her support for Busoga’s agricultural development. She commended NAGRC’s efforts in modernizing farming in the region and assured farmers that the government would continue to provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
“NAGRC is at the forefront of this agricultural revolution in Busoga,” Kadaga stated. “Our commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers is unwavering, and we will continue to work alongside them to foster growth and prosperity.”
Engaging Local Communities and Farmers
The event was also an opportunity for Kadaga and NAGRC to engage with the local community. Waiswa Kawali, spokesperson for Uganda First, a local NGO involved in organizing the event, praised the farm’s impact on the region. He encouraged young farmers to visit Kasolwe Stock Farm and take advantage of the high-quality breeding stock available.
“This farm offers all the resources we need to improve our farming practices. With what we have seen today, there is no reason why any farmer should remain in poverty,” Kawali said, urging youth in the area to explore opportunities for growth through the farm’s resources.
AI Services and Breeding Excellence at Kasolwe
Kasolwe Stock Farm has also been recognized for its outstanding artificial insemination (AI) services. Mr. Kaaku, NAGRC’s community breeding coordinator for Busoga, highlighted that over 10,000 cattle had been inseminated with superior genetics over the last two years. The AI services have been instrumental in improving the genetic quality of livestock across Busoga, ensuring that farmers have access to top-tier breeding stock.
“We provide the best genetics and preservation technologies to ensure our farmers get high-quality semen and the results they expect from AI services,” Kaaku explained.
Plans for Kasolwe’s Centre of Excellence
Looking ahead, Kadaga reaffirmed her commitment to lobbying the government for the completion of the Kasolwe farmer training hostel and skilling centre complex. The Centre of Excellence is designed to offer training and skills development to farmers, helping them improve their agricultural practices and further transforming the region’s agricultural landscape. Completion of this facility will play a pivotal role in advancing Busoga’s agricultural capacity.
