Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Minister of East African Affairs and Kamuli Woman Member of Parliament, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Busoga farmers by guaranteeing continued assistance from the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB). During a special ceremony held in Kamuli district, Kadaga oversaw the distribution of livestock and essential agricultural supplies to local farmers, reinforcing the government’s dedication to enhancing the livelihoods of the region’s agricultural community.
NAGRC’s Impact on Busoga Farmers
At the event, NAGRC distributed an impressive range of resources, including 50,000 Kuroiler chickens, 180 grandparent purebred pigs, 185 Kasolwe goats, 500 bags of fertility-boosting mineral salts, 20 AI kits with assorted semen, and 20 purebred Jersey bulls. This initiative is part of NAGRC’s ongoing efforts to transform Busoga’s agriculture by providing farmers with access to high-quality livestock and innovative farming technologies.
Kasolwe stock farm, located in Kamuli district, is at the heart of these efforts. Managed by NAGRC, this government-run farm plays a vital role in breeding livestock, including dairy cattle, pigs, poultry, and fish. One of the farm’s significant achievements is the development of the Kasolwe brown goat, a breed renowned for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it highly sought after by farmers across East Africa.
Kasolwe Stock Farm: A Hub for Agricultural Innovation
Kasolwe stock farm is renowned for its innovative contributions to livestock breeding. In addition to developing the Kasolwe brown goat, the farm is also home to a commercial animal feed production plant that manufactures various feeds, including dairy meals, goat pellets, poultry feeds, and fish feed. Launched in 2022 by Kadaga, the plant sources raw materials from local farmers in Busoga, helping to elevate the agricultural sector and improve the financial well-being of the surrounding communities.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Kadaga acknowledged the vital role NAGRC plays in transforming the agricultural landscape of Busoga. By providing high-quality breeding stock and advanced farming technologies, NAGRC is shifting the region’s focus from traditional sugarcane farming to more diversified and sustainable agricultural practices. At the event, over 139 farmer groups, organized under the Uganda First NGO, benefitted from the livestock distribution and praised NAGRC’s commitment to improving their agricultural output.
Kadaga also emphasized her continued efforts to advocate for the completion of the Kasolwe Centre of Excellence, which includes a training hostel and skilling center. This facility will help further support local farmers by providing the necessary tools, training, and expertise needed for long-term agricultural success.
NAGRC’s ongoing efforts, supported by Kadaga, are a cornerstone for driving agricultural transformation in Busoga. By giving farmers access to advanced livestock, quality animal feed, and valuable training resources, NAGRC is shaping a prosperous future for Uganda’s farming communities. Through this collaborative approach, Busoga’s agriculture is poised for sustained growth, improving both the economy and the lives of farmers in the region.
Tags: Support for Busoga farmers, NAGRC support, Kadaga’s commitment, livestock distribution, agricultural transformation, Uganda farming, Kasolwe farm, sustainable agriculture
