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HARVEST MONEY EXPO

KAMPALA - A huge multitude gathered at the Kololo Independence Grounds on February 23, to listen to DR Esther Nakajubi, a seasoned farmer from the National Animal Genetics Resource Centre and Database (NAGRC&DB), who was one of the trainers at the Harvest Money Expo 2024, under the theme, Farming as a Business. 

Nakajubi delivered crucial insights to aspiring and current pig farmers. If you are planning to venture into this extremely hands-on and engaging activity, you must consider the roles of breed selection, proper nutrition, and meticulous management practices in optimising pig farming enterprises.

Dr Emma Naluyima, another expert in attendance, echoed Nakajubi's sentiments, emphasising the imperatives of efficiency and timely feeding. (Credit: All Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Nakajubi underscored the significance of choosing the right breed, affirming its direct correlation to the success of pig farming endeavours. 

“Before venturing into pig farming,” she urged, “farmers must prioritise identifying suitable breeds tailored to their specific objectives, as it significantly influences the outcomes of their enterprise.”

Furthermore, Nakajubi stressed the paramount importance of adhering to proper nutrition practices, emphasising its profound impact on pig farming success.

“Approximately 70% of pig farming revolves around nutrition,” she asserted.

Cutting corners by compromising on feed quality can detrimentally affect digestion processes and ultimately jeopardise profitability and efficiency."

Dr Emma Naluyima, another expert in attendance, echoed Nakajubi's sentiments, emphasising the imperatives of efficiency and timely feeding. 

Nakajubi and Naluyima elucidated the essential prerequisites for embarking on pig rearing, advocating for meticulous planning and adherence to a comprehensive business plan. 

“Feeding high-quality nutrition in appropriate quantities yields superior results within shorter durations compared to prolonged periods of subpar feeding,” Dr Naluyima elucidated.

Nakajubi and Naluyima elucidated the essential prerequisites for embarking on pig rearing, advocating for meticulous planning and adherence to a comprehensive business plan. 

“A meticulously crafted business plan serves as a guiding beacon, facilitating informed decision-making and goal-setting,” Nakajubi said.

Importantly, Nakajubi cautioned against indiscriminate breeding practices, stressing the need to align breeding objectives with end-user preferences for optimal results. (Credit: Willy Semanda)

In terms of breed selection, Nakajubi recommended breeds such as white and landrace for their commendable reproductive traits and exceptional mothering abilities. 

Additionally, breeds like Durocs, Hampshires, and Pietrains were highlighted for their high productivity and the capacity to transmit desirable traits to offspring.

Importantly, she cautioned against indiscriminate breeding practices, stressing the need to align breeding objectives with end-user preferences for optimal results. 

Finally, Nakajubi imparted invaluable advice on piggery management, highlighting the importance of meticulous attention to housing infrastructure and strict adherence to management protocols. (Credit: Willy Semanda)

Finally, Nakajubi imparted invaluable advice on piggery management, highlighting the importance of meticulous attention to housing infrastructure and strict adherence to management protocols.

“A conducive environment and diligent management practices are imperative for fostering optimal growth and productivity,” Nakajubi advised.

These insights underscored the multifaceted considerations pivotal to successful pig farming, ranging from meticulous breed selection and nutrition practices to diligent management protocols, ultimately paving the path for thriving pig farming enterprises.

The expo that is ending today was organised by Vision Group in partnership with the Netherlands Embassy, with other sponsors being National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Tunga Nutrition, Engineering Solutions (ENGSOL), Techo Serve, Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Warehouse Receipt System Authority, KOICA-K-ABIC, DFCU Bank, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, AKVO International, Pepsi, and State House.