Farmers urged to embrace value addition

Farmers under their umbrella organization of Kamuli District agribusiness development association (KAIDA) in conjunction with Sesakawa global 2000 have been urged to embrace value addition on their agricultural produces and utilize their produces to supplement on their balanced diet.

Speaking at the farmers' inspection tour in Kamuli District last week, Mr Johnson Mitala, the KAIDA chairperson, said that farmers still have challenges with value addition on their products.

“Farmers need to add value to our products for better markets, we have lost a lot over the years and enough is enough. We need to learn how to add value to our own crops,” Mr Mitala said.

According to the World Bank Report (2012), the value of Uganda’s value added products in 2011 was standing at $3,870,911,000, while that of Tanzania stood at $5,780,320,210. In the East African region, Kenya has the highest agricultural value added standing at $8,346,408,890 in 2011. 

The main constraints that face Uganda’s agro processing industry include among others, the high operational costs mainly due to the high prices of imported fuel and spare parts, lack of appropriate processing machines and spare parts, and the limited knowledge in operation of the machines. 

Mr Yusufu Lubaale one of the mechanized farmers supported by Sasakawa global 2000 noted that he was one of the few farmers in the district to acquire a motorized maize sheller and also embracing new agronomic practices to boost farming in the district.

“I have taken my children to school and I am already reaping the fruits of my efforts by the way I am adding value to my crops,” Mr Lubaale said.

Mr Nengo Goddi, one of the farmers and fabricator at Goffy Agro Machinery who received a tractor said one of the best ways of improving value addition in farm products is by using machines and improved technology.

“I’m dreaming that I bring the kind of technology used in more advanced countries and hopeful that they can afford them,” Mr Nengo said.

However he added that they need more help in maintenance and repair and engines and machines such maize miller, sheller and cutter, moulding machine and fixed grinding paste.