Farmers hunt business opportunities at Harvest Money Expo

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Excitement and anticipation filled the air at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds as hundreds of farmers, agripreneurs and exhibitors streamed through the gates for the 10th edition of the Harvest Money Expo.

With this year’s theme, Farming as a Business, the three-day event has again proven why it remains Uganda’s leading agricultural exhibition, bringing together cutting-edge technologies, practical demonstrations, financial institutions and real-life success stories under one roof.

Organised by Vision Group, the expo runs until Sunday and is supported by partners including Tunga Nutrition, Engineering Solutions, Uganda Development Corporation, aBi Development, Pearl Bank, Heifer International and Roke Telkom, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), as well as the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

From soil health innovations to animal feed processing machines and pest-control solutions, Day One offered farmers not just ideas, but practical answers to the challenges limiting productivity and profits.

Bringing indigenous foods back

Wali Christopher Magala, the team leader at Alwana Natural Farms, said their focus this year is agroecology, restoring soil health and reviving indigenous crops.

“We are training farmers on soil fertility and how to bring back indigenous foods that were lost,” he explained.

“Pests are still a major problem, so we are developing bio-based pesticides using natural products. Farmers are looking for safer and more sustainable solutions.”

Having exhibited since the expo’s early days at Namboole, Magala said the platform has expanded its visibility beyond Uganda.

“We started with small numbers, but now we are gaining more clients and even attracting international attention because of this expo.” He expects youth, women, elderly farmers and policymakers to attend in large numbers over the weekend.

Game-changing innovations in animal feeding

For livestock farmers, Itungo Pastures is attracting attention with a unique innovation called grass pellets. Pison Beinobusingye, the director at Itungo Pastures, described the expo as a one-stop centre for livestock solutions.

“If you are a goat or pig farmer, or are dealing in animal fattening, we have you covered. Everything is here in one place,” he said.

This year marks their sixth appearance, and they came prepared.

“We have put our pasture into pellets. We are the only ones producing grass pellets. Farmers will also see our three-in-one machine that cuts, mills and chops at the same time, that is our new innovation.”

For Beinobusingye, the expo is about more than sales; visibility is key. “When you showcase here, people meet you face to face. They ask questions, gain knowledge and later become clients.”

Farmers eager to learn and diversify

The impact of the expo is perhaps best reflected by the farmers themselves.

Kiiza Nabagonzi, who travelled from Makindye, is attending the fair for the first time and is already inspired.

“I have seen many exciting things, but what captured me most is how to start a mushroom business at home,” she said. “I was also impressed by growing garlic in water. I want to start that immediately.”

Joyce Serulya, a pig farmer from Kisoga in Mukono district, returned for a second time, seeking solutions for her struggling banana plantation and exploring coffee growing.

“Banana pests have seriously affected us. Sometimes you buy pesticides, and they don’t work. I have come to learn better pest-control methods and how to properly dry coffee after harvest,” she said, adding that the biggest advantage of the expo is convenience.

“When you attend, you find everything in one place: certified pesticides, quality seeds and trusted products you cannot easily find at home.”

With two more days of live demonstrations, expert-led training, and networking opportunities, the Expo is offering farmers practical pathways to profitability. Get your sh10,000 and make your way to Kololo. You will love it.