New village agriculture model launched in Busoga to boost economy
A new agricultural initiative aimed at lifting residents out of poverty was launched on Sunday in the Busoga sub-region.
The Village Agriculture Model (VAM) is a joint venture between the Busoga Consortium and China’s Liaoning province, and it seeks to complement the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM) and move locals to the money economy.
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The program is being piloted in Mashaga village, Mayuge district, before being expanded to all the eleven districts of Busoga. Its primary focus is on empowering local communities through agriculture, with the goal of driving mass economic transformation.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, presided over the launch in Mayuge. She emphasized the importance of land conservation, urging residents to resist the temptation to sell off their land for short-term gains.
“You cannot get the money when you don't have land I see people in Mayuge selling but Land fragmentation has had a devastating impact on our agricultural productivity,” Kadaga said. “By concentrating our efforts at the village level, we can replicate the success story of China, where this model has led to significant economic growth.”
Kadaga assured farmers of ready markets for their produce, revealing that Liaoning province is committed to purchasing sorghum, simsim, Casava and other crops for processing in China.
Third Deputy Prime Minister and Woman MP for Mayuge, Hajat Rukia Isanga Nakadama, shared her experiences from a benchmarking trip to China, highlighting the program’s feasibility. She called upon residents to fully embrace the VAM initiative.
Bishop Frank Tibagendeka, chairperson of Mayuge district, welcomed the program, stating that it has the potential to restore Busoga’s former glory. He pledged the district’s full support for the initiative.
The VAM is expected to create significant economic opportunities for the people of Busoga, while also contributing to the country’s overall agricultural development.
