Govt urges NGOs to find markets for youth-led products
In total, that intervention has so far reached more than five million smallholder farmers in the last over four decades, creating about 400,000 agribusiness jobs, and supporting more than 100,000 small scale businesses for especially youth and women.
Value-added mangoes processed into juice, demonstrating how agricultural produce can be transformed into marketable products. (Courtesy)
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The Ugandan government has urged non-governmental organisations supporting farmers to increase production to help find markets for quality products that meet required international standards.
The call was made by the animal industry and fisheries state minister, Bright Rwamirama, while officiating at celebrations to mark 44 years of Heifer International in Uganda.
“Let us ensure positioning through these products; Uganda is positioned as the leading producer, processor, and exporter of high-quality product source,” he urged.
The anniversary celebrations at Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Thursday attracted farmers, young entrepreneurs under Heifer’s Stimulating Agribusiness for Youth Employment (SAYE) project working with over 25,000 youth in Busoga region, and farmers adding value to dairy products in Masaka, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi districts, among others.
Country director William Matovu said that over the past 44 years of Heifer International's presence in Uganda, they have supported vulnerable farming households through livestock, strengthened agricultural value chains, organised farmer institutions, supported agribusinesses, and helped farmers get connections to the market.
The organisation works across the anchor value chains of dairy, beef, poultry, horticulture and oilseeds, in addition to swine.
Matovu and co believe the anchor value chains can easily support women's empowerment, create jobs easily, and transform livelihoods in a short period of time.
In total, that intervention has so far reached more than five million smallholder farmers in the last over four decades, creating about 400,000 agribusiness jobs, and supporting more than 100,000 small scale businesses for especially youth and women.
Matovu said the various interventions are aligned with the government strategy through the key pillar of agro-industrialisation under the National Development Plan 4.
This pillar prioritizes value addition, market access, science and technology, farm organisation, and sustainable agriculture growth.
"As we look ahead, our focus will be beyond increasing production and productivity," said Matovu.
During the ceremony, founder directors and partners of Heifer International were recognised, including the agriculture ministry.