Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Kamuli Woman Member of Parliament and Minister of East African Affairs, assured farmers in Busoga of continued support from the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) at a special ceremony in Kamuli district. The event, which marked a significant milestone in agricultural empowerment, saw the distribution of various livestock and farming inputs to over 139 farmer groups from the Busoga region.
The Role of NAGRC in Busoga’s Agricultural Revolution
At the heart of this event was NAGRC’s ongoing effort to revitalize livestock farming in Busoga. The agency distributed 50,000 Kuroiler chickens, 180 grandparent pure-bred pigs, 185 Kasolwe goats, 500 fertility-boosting mineral salt bags, and more. This initiative aims to diversify the local farming landscape, moving away from the region’s traditional dependence on sugarcane cultivation and introducing new, high-value agro-enterprises.
Kasolwe Stock Farm: A Beacon of Agricultural Transformation
A key player in this transformation is the Kasolwe Stock Farm, which is under NAGRC’s management. The farm has been revitalized to host a variety of high-value agro-enterprises, including intensive dairy cattle breeding, pig breeding, poultry breeding, and fish farming. A standout achievement of the farm is the development of the Kasolwe Brown Goat, a breed known for its twinning abilities, rapid growth, and resilience in harsh environments. This breed is now highly sought after across East Africa, with farmers recognizing its potential to transform goat farming in the region.
Impact of the Kasolwe Farm Feed Production Plant
Kasolwe stock farm also houses a state-of-the-art animal feed production plant, which produces various types of compounded animal feeds, including dairy meals, fish feeds, goat pellets, poultry feeds, and pet feeds. This facility, which Kadaga officially launched in 2022, sources its raw materials from within the local Busoga community. This has had a significant impact on local farmers, boosting their productivity while contributing to the economic growth of the area.
Government’s Commitment to Busoga Farmers
Kadaga commended NAGRC for its role in transforming agriculture in Busoga. During the ceremony, she expressed her support for the government’s commitment to providing superior breeding stock and technology to farmers. This effort aims to modernize livestock farming and create a sustainable alternative to the region’s heavy reliance on sugarcane farming.
“I commend NAGRC for its commitment to bringing these superior breeds to the farmers of Busoga,” said Kadaga. “This initiative provides hope for local farmers, not only for improving their livestock but also for diversifying their income sources.”
Support from Uganda First and Other Stakeholders
The ceremony also included contributions from local stakeholders, including the Uganda First NGO, which organized the 139 farmer groups benefiting from the distribution of livestock and farming tools. Waiswa Kawali, spokesperson for Uganda First, praised the Kasolwe Stock Farm’s agro-enterprises, noting the farm’s impressive breeding stock and its potential to uplift the livelihoods of local farmers. He encouraged the youth to visit the farm and take advantage of the available resources.
“With this farm, there is no reason why anyone should remain in poverty,” said Waiswa, emphasizing the farm’s role as a model for agricultural transformation in Uganda.
Kasolwe Stock Farm’s Contributions to Livestock Breeding and AI Services
Kasolwe Stock Farm is also known for its outstanding artificial insemination (AI) services, which have benefitted farmers across the Busoga sub-region. According to Mr. Kaaku, NAGRC’s community breeding coordinator for Busoga, over 10,000 cattle have been inseminated with high-quality semen in the last two years. The availability of AI services at the farm has been a game-changer for livestock farmers in the region, offering them access to superior genetics that improve livestock productivity.
“We offer high-quality semen and liquid nitrogen for preservation, ensuring that our farmers have access to the best breeding stock available,” Kaaku explained.
Future Plans: Completion of Kasolwe Training Hostel and Skilling Centre
Looking ahead, Kadaga emphasized her commitment to lobbying the government for the completion of the Kasolwe farmer training hostel and skilling centre complex. This facility will serve as a Centre of Excellence, providing farmers with crucial training in modern agricultural techniques. The completion of this infrastructure is seen as a key step in further supporting Busoga’s transformation into an agricultural powerhouse.
