Agribusiness matchmaking expo commences today

AGRICULTURE

Farmers seeking to eliminate post-harvest losses obtained either through pest infestation, pest invasion or attack or destruction that occurs due to high moisture content during storage, should attend this year's agribusiness matchmaking expo.

The agriculture ministry, in partnership with the World Bank, has set up an expo that will facilitate contractual partnerships between farmer organisations and suppliers of post-harvest management, agro-processing equipment, and services.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday, Agriculture Minister Vincent Ssempijja said the expo will be a one-stop-shop where farmer organisations will have access to vetted suppliers of equipment matched to the specific needs outlined in their business plans.

"We want to support investments by participating in farmer organisations at community level in post-harvest management and value addition," Ssempijja said.

The ministry will also host another event dubbed, "Disruptive Agricultural Technological Innovation challenge on November 19 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, to explore opportunities offered by disruptive agricultural technologies to address some of the challenges farmers' experience.

Disruptive Agricultural Technologies are digital and non-digital innovations that enable smallholder farmers to leapfrog their current constraints and improve their yields, incomes, nutritional status as well as climate resilience.

These technologies range from mobile apps to digital identities for farmers, to solar applications for agriculture to portable agriculture devices, among others.