Agriculture minister calls for efforts toward millet cultivation
Dec 22, 2023
“As we embark on this journey, let us collaborate across sectors and stakeholder groups, involving farmers, researchers, policymakers, resource partners, and the private sector,” he said.
Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, Minister of state for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries lavishly praising obushera, local millet product exhibited at Millet Festival in Kampala. (Photos by Jimmy Outa)
By Gerald Tenywa and Jimmy Outa
Journalists @New Vision
____________________________ Some of the Millet variaties grown in Uganda being exhibitated at the Festival One of the exhibitor milling millet using thetranditional way with the aid of a milling stone during the Millet Festival held at the FAO offices in Kampala on the 19th Dec, 2023. Milet bread, a locally made millet product being prepared for the exhibition at a Millet Festival held at the FAO Offices in Kampala. Antonio Querido, Country Representative Uganda addressing Guests attending the Millet Festival 2023 at their Offices in Kampala on the 19th Dec, 2023.
Agriculture state minister Fred Bwino Kyakulaga has called upon stakeholders to collaboratively enhance millet cultivation in Uganda.
“Our collective efforts will not only benefit the agricultural sector but will have a positive ripple effect on our entire nation, elevate the status of millet in Uganda where millet plays a central role in fostering sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security, and promoting the health and wellbeing of our citizens,” he says. 
Commemorating the millet year festival on December 19, 2023, under the theme: Rich in Heritage Full of Potential at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) offices in Kampala, Kyakulaga said Uganda is committed to harnessing the potential of millet for the benefit of Ugandans and the global community.
“As we embark on this journey, let us collaborate across sectors and stakeholder groups, involving farmers, researchers, policymakers, resource partners, and the private sector,” he said. 
"Through strategic policies, research, and partnerships, we aim to promote sustainable millet farming practices, improve value chains, and raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of this extraordinary grain," he added.
He called for investment in research and development, supporting extension services, and creating an enabling environment for millet cultivation to thrive. 
“Many of our hardworking men and women depend on millet cultivation for their sustenance,” Kyakulaga said.
According to him, amplifying efforts to support millet farmers will not only bolster their livelihoods but also contribute significantly to the agricultural backbone of Uganda.
Reflecting on the diverse array of millet, FOA Country representative Antonio Querido said millet cultivation has the potential to uplift smallholder farmers, enhance nutrition and biodiversity, and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.
"Millets are resilient, they are there when others are not: Millets can survive harsh climate conditions and can grow in poor, degraded soils. They are tolerant to many crop diseases and pests and so offer solutions to food scarcity, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss," he said.
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