Learn, network, Grow at Mityana training

The initiative is in line with the Government’s call to professionalise farming as a pathway to agricultural commercialisation, Joshua Kato, the editor of the Harvest Money pullout, says.

“We are focusing on dairy and poultry on the same day because most dairy keepers also practice poultry. These two are also some of the fastest-growing farming enterprises in the country,” Kato explains.

According to 2024/25 figures from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Uganda’s poultry market annual growth stands at 1.6%.

This is driven by a steady domestic demand and export markets, with the national chicken population estimated at more than 50 million. Demand for eggs grows by 4.4% while consumption of chicken meat is growing at about 3.6%.

On the other hand, milk production stands at 5.3 billion litres per year, up from 3.9 billion litres in 2021. The dairy sector export earnings for 2023/24 were $264.5m.

Meet the best farmer

Kato says if one were to visit Kasirye breeders, he/ she would pay sh50,000. Additionally, for expert advice, you would spend at least sh200,000.

“So, the free training is an opportunity for everyone to learn from the best as Vision Group strives to realise its mission of generating and distributing content that is valuable and advances society,” he explains.

“I want to share my lessons along my farming journey such that those intending to start do not go through the same challenges. I also want to show others the opportunities along the dairy and poultry production chains as there is a lot which is still untapped,” Kasirye says.

He says the poultry sector is one of the most profitable enterprises. However, for one to benefit from the sector, one must embrace the best practices.

“The market in the poultry business is not a challenge because there is more than what we can satisfy. Markets are readily available, but they need consistency in quality and quantity, which is what we have to work on and ensure we can supply the markets,” Kasirye explains.

He says one of the things that will be shared at the masterclass is market and marketing techniques, where farmers build strong business relationships with traders that they can get credit to run their farms and settle their books during the sale.

“There is no reason for a commercial farmer to fail to get funds to run their farm because the buyer is sure you will supply them with the quality and quantity they want,” Kasirye says.

The training will include a practical session, where experts will demonstrate the use of equipment. The trainees will also have a guided tour of the farm to see and feel what they have to do to improve the production and profitability of their farms.

Masterclass trainers

An experienced team of livestock experts is set to lead the training sessions, each bringing a wealth of knowledge to help farmers improve their enterprises.

Dr William Kabanda from URUS will handle breed selection, guiding participants on how to identify the most suitable breeds for their farms.

He will be joined by Dr Moses Kasaawe, a veterinary doctor specialising in dairy cattle hormones.

“Hormones are natural chemicals that control every step of a dairy cow’s reproductive cycle,” Dr Kasaawe explains.

He notes that farmers keen on breeding can use hormone protocols to synchronise reproduction at specific periods, making the process more efficient and predictable.

The poultry sessions will be conducted by Dr Geoffrey Mukama, the technical sales manager at Koudijs Animal Nutrition BV.

He will address the common mistakes that have kept many farmers’ enterprises stagnant or even led to losses.

“These mistakes are avoidable only if farmers understand what they need to do. That is what we aim to equip participants with during the training,” Dr Mukama emphasises.

He warns that unlike other sectors where errors can sometimes be corrected, in farming every mistake directly reduces production and profitability.