In a significant stride towards advancing agricultural practices and supporting local farmers, Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) officially unveiled a state-of-the-art sh4b barley drying and cleaning plant in Cheminy, Kween District.

Speaking at the launch last week in Kween District, Adu Rando, the Managing Director of Nile Breweries said that the facility, strategically positioned in the heart of the Sebei region, aims to revolutionise barley production by providing a safe storage facility and reducing post-harvest losses for over 5,000 farmers in Kween, Kapchorwa, and Bukwo Districts.

Rando highlighted that the drying and cleaning plant has the capacity to store and process over 250 metric tonnes of barley daily.

He said that NBL currently purchases over 8,000 metric tons of barley annually from farmers in the Sebei region. 

Traditionally, farmers in the area have relied on open-air drying methods, exposing their barley to various weather conditions for extended periods. This practice has resulted in a decline in the quality of the produce.

“With the drying plant, farmers will now dry, clean, and store their barley in perfect condition at the facility straight from their farms. This will accelerate the drying process without altering the quality of the grain,” explained Adu Rando.

Joseph Luzinda, the Agricultural Services Manager at Nile Breweries, shed light on the challenges faced by farmers in the Sebei region during the rainy season, coinciding with the barley harvesting period.

He noted, “Our farmers put a lot of effort into growing top-quality barley. This plant will ensure that their efforts do not go to waste, and they can now focus on growing, knowing that they now have a ready and easily accessible drying facility.”

He added that the newly inaugurated barley drying and cleaning plant is equipped with cutting-edge technology, making it the first dryer of its kind in Uganda. 

Recognizing the importance of expanding such facilities, NBL is concurrently constructing a second barley dryer in Kabale district, slated for commissioning in the coming year.