📷 10 years on, Harvest Money Expo still rules

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Ten years ago, the Harvest Money Expo stood out as one of the best farming exhibitions. True to its slogan, Farming as a Business, most expo-goers say their businesses have grown beyond their expectations because of interacting with it.

The expo’s 10th edition is taking place at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. It will last for three days, and agricultural enthusiasts from across the country are taking part.

Emmanuel Mukisa, the Orchard Camp farm manager, says they have participated in the expo for the last seven years and can attest to the positive experiences since the day they first attended.

“We have seen a big transformation in our business. When we first came here, we could only farm on one acre. Now we have a 16-acre farm,” he says.

He adds that the new clients and connections they have gained from the expo have helped their farm grow and expand.

“We have made huge profits. Few people knew about our products, but now we are much better known,” he notes. “Before you even offload, people are already buying,” he adds.

Meanwhile, Aunt Porridge’s public relations and marketing representative says they have participated in the expo since its first edition. Referrals after the expo have also helped the company grow. However, she recommends continuous advertising of the event, not only to farmers, but to all Ugandans who have businesses alongside farming.

For Ranchers Finest, a three-year-old company dealing in meat products, Dinah Nyakato, the product marketing head, says they expect to connect with new customers.

“We wanted exposure because we are new on the market, and we hope to offer quality products to all customers,” she says.

She calls on customers to embrace her products, saying they are produced by experts.

Ben Tamale, a 50-year-old farmer from Buwama in Mpigi district, says while in the village, he unknowingly bought fake seeds that hardly grew and eventually cost him money. Having heard constant advertisements on New Vision and Vision Group media platforms, he chose to be among the first to attend the 10th edition of the expo.

He says the expo is exciting, and he has already bought 38kg of maize seed (Bazuka maize).

He adds that the event should be extended to each district to continue sensitising farmers about modern farming methods.

The event is sponsored by Tunga Nutrition, Engineering Solutions, Uganda Development Corporation, aBi Development, Pearl Bank, Heifer International and Roke Telkom. At sh10,000, one can access the expo throughout this weekend. Those interested in attending the trainings will pay an additional sh10,000.

Other sponsors are the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, as well as the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).