Agriculture experts recently conducted a workshop for farmers in the Karamoja Sub-region, specifically in Obalangit Sub-county, Karenga District. The purpose of the workshop was to educate smallholder farmers on effective post-harvest techniques with the aim of increasing agricultural productivity and household incomes.
Mr. Julius Esanyu, the project coordinator for Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), emphasized the importance of transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming. He encouraged farmers to invest in agriculture and engage in government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) to enhance crop yields and improve post-harvest processing and storage facilities.
During an agricultural event held in Obalangit Sub-county, Mr. Peter Lokiro, a local farmer, shared how the Sasakawa association had made a significant impact. Previously, farmers faced challenges in storing and marketing their grains, often having to transport them over long distances. However, with the support of the Sasakawa association, local farmers organized themselves, making marketing more accessible.
Mr. Julius Etwany, the chairperson of Abim West Farmers Network, also praised the Sasakawa Africa Association for their empowerment efforts. In 2022, the organization enabled them to sell 100 metric tonnes of maize grains, and in the first season of the current year, they sold 120 metric tonnes of maize to the World Food Programme.
The main highlight of the event was the exhibition of post-harvest technologies, aimed at raising awareness among farmers about these innovations. Mr. Esanyu explained that the event’s objective was to provide insights into optimal agricultural marketing and post-harvest practices.
Various agricultural production and post-harvest technologies were demonstrated during the event, including maize shellers, sorghum threshers, millet threshers, groundnut threshers, bean shellers, solar-powered irrigation systems, power spray pumps, hermetic storage, and hand-operated tillers.
Notable participants at the event included district councillors, technical officers from both the sub-county and district, as well as representatives from non-governmental organizations.
Karenga Resident District Commissioner, Geoffrey Philbert Ochailap, encouraged locals to collaborate with SAA experts to add value to their agricultural produce.
The agricultural event, attended by over 1,000 farmers, was financially supported by the United Nations World Food Programme.
