The 32nd edition of the Source of the Nile Agricultural Show has officially opened, with stakeholders urging farmers across Uganda to embrace modern agricultural practices, innovation and improved access to quality farm inputs to boost productivity and drive economic transformation.
Organised by the Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE) and its partners, the 10-day annual exhibition has attracted a wide range of local and international exhibitors showcasing technologies in agricultural mechanisation, post-harvest handling, climate-smart farming and market access solutions.
Held under the theme, "Agri-Leap to Middle Income: 10-Fold Growth Strategy through Farm Innovations and Agro-industrialisation," this year's show is being positioned as a key platform for accelerating Uganda's transition to a middle-income economy through a more productive and commercially oriented agricultural sector.
Stakeholders said the exhibition continues to play an important role in promoting innovation, enhancing farmers' knowledge and strengthening linkages across the agricultural value chain.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Uganda National Farmers Federation Deputy Chief Executive Officer Perez Kawumi encouraged farmers to make full use of the exhibition by exploring new technologies, improved seed varieties and modern agricultural inputs capable of increasing yields and household incomes.
Organisers said the exhibition provides farmers with an opportunity to gain practical knowledge, engage directly with agricultural experts and establish links with agribusiness companies and service providers.
Show Manager Peter Kisambira said this year's exhibition has placed special emphasis on livestock development, featuring a wide variety of animal breeds, including cattle, goats, rabbits and donkeys, alongside innovations in aquaculture.
Kisambira also said wheat had been introduced as one of the key crops on display, challenging the long-held belief that it can only be grown successfully in Uganda's highland areas.
He said emerging research suggests the crop can perform well in other parts of the country under suitable growing conditions.
He further encouraged farmers and other stakeholders to attend the exhibition and engage with the newly appointed Ministers of Agriculture to exchange ideas on promoting agribusiness development.
One of the major attractions at this year's show is the Government Wealth Creation Village, a dedicated exhibition area bringing together ministries, departments and agencies to provide practical training for farmers.
The initiative is intended to equip participants with skills in enterprise selection, investment planning and value addition, particularly in support of beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Edward Katende, Executive Director of the Uganda Development Forum, said the initiative seeks to address knowledge gaps among recipients of PDM funds.
"Many farmers have received funding but lack guidance on which enterprises to invest in. The Wealth Creation Village provides a platform for both small-scale and large-scale farmers to learn and make informed decisions," Katende said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Generous Behabura Betunga, Head of Livestock Development and Entomology at Uganda Prisons, said the institution is demonstrating expertise in both crop and livestock production, including improved pasture varieties suitable for hay production and animal feed.
She said Uganda Prisons is also supporting implementation of the government's four-acre model by training farmers on efficient land utilisation while promoting urban farming technologies for households with limited land.
The Source of the Nile Agricultural Show is expected to attract thousands of farmers, agripreneurs, students and members of the public during its 10-day run, providing a platform to showcase the latest innovations shaping the future of agriculture in Uganda.
