Farmers in Uganda are set to receive value-addition facilities to boost cassava, maize and rice production. The World Bank, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries selected five farmer groups in Tororo District for the facilities. They include; Osukuru United Women Network, which was allocated Shs237m, Naweyo United Farmers Group (Shs300m), and Community Child Care Initiative Kisoko (Shs237m).
Others are Deliverance Church Ochegen Sacco Kwapa (Shs237m), and Merikit Progressive Farmers Association (Shs300m). The groups will use the grants under the agriculture cluster development project to procure processing equipment, among others. Construction is expected to be complete within a period of three months before agro-processing machines are installed at different sites belonging to the farmers’ groups.
Value for money
The Tororo Resident District Commissioner, Mr Nickson Owole, urged the beneficiaries to own and utilise the facilities, saying it will help them to add value to their products and earn better pay. He also asked the contractors to ensure the works are of high quality that reflect value for money.
“Government has extended support to your groups and what we expect from you is to own the project so that it helps to change lives economically,” said Mr Owole.
Tororo District chairperson, Mr John Okeya, on his part said value-addition will increase farm productivity and market for the selected agricultural commodities among the groups.
“This is a well-intended programme, which should be supported to thrive. It will help our people get out of poverty. MPs should enact a provision in the Public Procurement and Disposal Act that compels contractors to declare their wealth before qualifying for any contract from government. This will help the government to transact business with firms that are capable of doing the work,” said Mr.Okeya.
