Museveni, MPs in anti-poverty drive
Jul 19, 2011
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has asked NRM MPs to encourage farmers to transform from traditional to modern methods of farming.
By Mary Karugaba and Milton Olupot
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has asked NRM MPs to encourage farmers to transform from traditional to modern methods of farming.
While touring model farms in the districts of Kiruhura and Masaka yesterday, the President explained that modern methods of farming are likely to improve the farmers’ incomes much faster than traditional methods.
“The President emphasised the issue of growing high yielding crops and rearing Friesian cows. He said farmers who have no huge chunks of land could also make it by keeping at least six Friesian cows for manure and milk,†a source that was part of the tour said.
The NRM Caucus spokesperson, Evelyn Anite, yesterday said the legislators were taken around four farms and shared experiences with the local farmers, on how to go about business.
A number of farmers, she said, concentrate on high yield crops and exotic animal breeding for higher harvest.
“We toured selected farms dealing in crop cultivation, animal husbandry and chicken rearing. We were taken through the processes,†she said.
One of the prosperous farmers, a widow in Masaka, Josephine Kizza, who rears pigs, impressed the MPs with her business acumen which has enabled her to earn sh60m every year. She also rears chicken and brews wine.
In Kiruhura, the MPs reportedly visited three different farms including one owned by D. Kassaija, who harvests rain water using a tarpaulin, and uses it to irrigate crops and to water animals.
“We have gained a lot from the tour. The farmers shared their experiences with us relating to how they started business and where they are now,†Anite said, adding that the President has advised that the MPs divide themselves into 18 zones comprising the districts.
They will then determine what crops and animals to take up depending on the nature of the soils and climate according to the 18 zones.
Earlier, the President reportedly presented a paper on modern methods of farming, explaining the history and the culture of the Ankole people and how they have managed to transform from nomadic life to settled farming.
“He explained the causes of nomadism at the time and how he eventually managed to convince them to settle down.
The President said he identified the farmers and then encouraged them to sell off the local cows in exchange for Friesians,†the source said.
The source added: “That is why the President said, if we are to transform our societies, we need to provide water to the farmers.â€
Although most MPs were impressed, they questioned the practicability of the methods, saying most farmers in Uganda live on small pieces of land.
“The farmers here have huge chunks of land and have been in the business for some time. Secondly, some of our people are so traditional that it is very difficult to change them,†one MP from Karamoja said.
But a colleague from the same area was more optimistic. “I am going to tell my people to change to Friesian cows,†he vowed.
The President also explained the origin of ranches in Ankole but noted that some failed because they were given to elites who had little or no knowledge of farming.
A number of MPs said they were impressed with the way the farmers were transformed and vowed to teach the modern methods to their constituents.
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has asked NRM MPs to encourage farmers to transform from traditional to modern methods of farming.
While touring model farms in the districts of Kiruhura and Masaka yesterday, the President explained that modern methods of farming are likely to improve the farmers’ incomes much faster than traditional methods.
“The President emphasised the issue of growing high yielding crops and rearing Friesian cows. He said farmers who have no huge chunks of land could also make it by keeping at least six Friesian cows for manure and milk,†a source that was part of the tour said.
The NRM Caucus spokesperson, Evelyn Anite, yesterday said the legislators were taken around four farms and shared experiences with the local farmers, on how to go about business.
A number of farmers, she said, concentrate on high yield crops and exotic animal breeding for higher harvest.
“We toured selected farms dealing in crop cultivation, animal husbandry and chicken rearing. We were taken through the processes,†she said.
One of the prosperous farmers, a widow in Masaka, Josephine Kizza, who rears pigs, impressed the MPs with her business acumen which has enabled her to earn sh60m every year. She also rears chicken and brews wine.
In Kiruhura, the MPs reportedly visited three different farms including one owned by D. Kassaija, who harvests rain water using a tarpaulin, and uses it to irrigate crops and to water animals.
“We have gained a lot from the tour. The farmers shared their experiences with us relating to how they started business and where they are now,†Anite said, adding that the President has advised that the MPs divide themselves into 18 zones comprising the districts.
They will then determine what crops and animals to take up depending on the nature of the soils and climate according to the 18 zones.
Earlier, the President reportedly presented a paper on modern methods of farming, explaining the history and the culture of the Ankole people and how they have managed to transform from nomadic life to settled farming.
“He explained the causes of nomadism at the time and how he eventually managed to convince them to settle down.
The President said he identified the farmers and then encouraged them to sell off the local cows in exchange for Friesians,†the source said.
The source added: “That is why the President said, if we are to transform our societies, we need to provide water to the farmers.â€
Although most MPs were impressed, they questioned the practicability of the methods, saying most farmers in Uganda live on small pieces of land.
“The farmers here have huge chunks of land and have been in the business for some time. Secondly, some of our people are so traditional that it is very difficult to change them,†one MP from Karamoja said.
But a colleague from the same area was more optimistic. “I am going to tell my people to change to Friesian cows,†he vowed.
The President also explained the origin of ranches in Ankole but noted that some failed because they were given to elites who had little or no knowledge of farming.
A number of MPs said they were impressed with the way the farmers were transformed and vowed to teach the modern methods to their constituents.