FAO gives sh1.4b for farming tools

May 17, 2015

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country representative Alhaji M.Jallow has disclosed that additional procurement for assortment of farming equipment will to be donated to small holder farmers to actively engage in agriculture

By Patrick Okino

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country representative Alhaji M.Jallow has disclosed that additional procurement for assortment of farming equipment will to be donated to small holder farmers to actively engage in agriculture.

"Additional procurements worth US$24,900 (sh1,489,020,000b) targeting assortment of equipment are underway," he said last this week at the handing over of farming equipment to farmers in Lira and Kole districts.

This will build and sustain food security in the region and empower people to have sustainable livelihood according to Jallow.


A power tiller being tested at FAO office in Lira on Tuesday. PHOTO/Patrick Okino

"A country like Uganda without agriculture is no country. I would like children to start engaging in fish farming," he said.  

The function took place at FAO field office in Lira and the equipment provided include 6 power tillers, 12 motorized rice threshers, tarpaulins, weighing scale, moisture meter, fishing nets, wheelbarrows, agricultural limes, pipes, hoes and spades.

He cautioned farmers against misusing the equipment saying it should be strictly use for it designated purposes.

"As FAO, it is our hope that this equipment be used for the betterment of the families and communities in northern Uganda," he said.    

He said FAO has been and is still implementing various projects and programmes that are aimed at supporting smallholder farmers to build and sustain food security in the region.

He said rice and sunflower project is being implemented in 13 sub counties in Gulu, Kole and Lira districts with financial backing the government of Italy and aquaculture in Adjumani, Soroti, Kibuuka, Arua, Gulu and also Lira.

David Olot, a farmer said they have been bulking soybeans and sunflower in group and also sell as a group. 

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