Farmers in Maziba Sub-county, Kabale District have been urged to form and strengthen farmer groups to improve agricultural production, access government support programmes and secure better markets for their produce.
The call was made during an agricultural exhibition held at Maziba Sub-county headquarters, where farmers showcased crops, livestock, value-added products and modern farming technologies aimed at improving productivity and household incomes.
The exhibition, organised by the Kabale District Production Department and spearheaded by Senior Entomologist Honest Tumuheirwe, attracted farmers, local leaders, agricultural extension workers, district officials, agro-input dealers, beekeepers, Irish potato seed growers, pineapple and coffee farmers, wine producers and livestock farmers.
Exhibitors demonstrated innovations in crop production, animal husbandry and value addition, with officials encouraging farmers to embrace modern farming practices to increase yields and build resilience.
Addressing participants, Kabale District Senior Fisheries Officer Jennifer Tumwebaze said organised farmer groups provide an effective platform for sharing knowledge, solving common production challenges and improving the quality of agricultural produce.
"Groups help farmers share experiences, learn from each other, tackle common problems and improve the quality and competitiveness of their produce," Tumwebaze said.
She encouraged farmers to visit exhibition stalls to learn about new technologies, improved farming methods and innovations that can increase productivity and profitability.
Kabale District Production Officer Bedda Mwebesa said farmer groups and cooperatives remain the primary channels through which government delivers agricultural support, including training, extension services and improved farm inputs.
"Working in groups makes it easier for government to offer training, extension services, improved inputs and other interventions aimed at transforming agriculture," Mwebesa said.
She commended farmers for turning up in large numbers and pledged that the district would continue organising agricultural exhibitions to promote innovation, knowledge sharing and the adoption of improved farming practices.
The District Secretary for Production, Moses Bikogwamuhangi, who officiated as chief guest, applauded farmers for embracing agriculture as a source of livelihood and contributing to the district's economic development.
He urged them to invest in modern farming technologies and value addition to increase production, improve household incomes and create employment opportunities.
During the event, Bikogwamuhangi handed over a Plant Clinic tent, a dustbin and other equipment to the Maziba Sub-county Production Department to strengthen agricultural extension services.
He said the Plant Clinic will enable farmers to bring diseased crops for diagnosis and receive technical guidance on pest and disease management, soil fertility improvement, safe pesticide use, crop nutrition and other good agricultural practices.
"Early diagnosis and timely expert advice will help farmers manage crop diseases more effectively and improve productivity," he said.
Farmers who attended the exhibition welcomed the initiative, saying it had provided an opportunity to market their products, exchange ideas with fellow farmers and learn practical techniques that they plan to implement on their farms.
The exhibition concluded with farmers, district leaders and agricultural experts committing to promote cooperation, climate-smart agriculture, innovation and value addition as key strategies for increasing agricultural production, improving household incomes and supporting sustainable agricultural development in Kabale District.
