Animal feed sector plays key role in Uganda’s dev’t, says Agriculture minister

The state minister for animal industry and fisheries, Hellen Adoa, has underscored the role played by the feed animal and poultry feed sector in Uganda’s development.

“The Uganda feed sector plays a pivotal role in all subsectors of agriculture; particularly, aquaculture, livestock and energy for the downstream and crop agriculture and capture fisheries for the upstream. Hence, very important in realizing the Agro-industrialization targets,” Adoa said.

She was speaking during the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop on advancing Uganda’s feed and biofuel industry organized by Uganda Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (UGAFMA) at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala.

The minister said sector has created employment for a number of Ugandans.

She highlighted that processed animal feed production capacity in Uganda is estimated at 2 million metric tons primarily comprising cereal brans, oil seed meals or cakes and commercial feed concentrates.

The distribution network for animal feed has expanded, making these crucial resources available to farmers in even remote areas. Dairy, poultry, and fisheries farmers heavily rely on animal feed to optimize their production and productivity. Our dairy, poultry, and fisheries sectors have experienced impressive growth, with dairy production reaching 2.5 billion liters in 2021, poultry contributing 1.8 million metric tons of meat, and fisheries providing over 650,000 metric tons of fish,” Adoa said.

She noted that the feed industry imports have grown to above $102 million.

The minister however noted that government is determined to tackle challenges facing the animal feed sector in the country, adding that cooperation between the private sector and government as well as building foundations for self-regulation to sustain the available market within and outside Uganda are key.

Antony Mutwire, the Andritz Area Sales Manager for Africa said there is need to leverage innovations and advancements in technology in feed manufacturing.

“By leveraging these innovations, we can help you optimize your processes, minimize downtime, and maximize your return an investment. I believe that collaboration will be key to unlocking the full potential of these technologies,” Mutwire said.

UGAFMA chairman, Aimable Mbarushimana said the meeting will help them discuss strategies on taking forward the animal feed industry in Uganda.

“Now with the Animal Feeds Bill in place and awaiting the president to ascent his signature, we think Ugandans and government will now see the benefits of producing these feeds locally. This will ensure we prevent the export of raw materials but add value on them to fetch more money and Ugandans will benefit,” Mbarushimana said.

“This will ensure our youths get jobs back home, other than going abroad . The jobs will be here at the farms, mills, sales and the entire value chain of animal feed manufacturing.”

According to the UGAFMA chairman, the meeting is yet another platform to further discuss challenges that face the animal feed industry and how to overcome them through collaborations between the private sector and government.