Jinja farmers urged to embrace National Seed Oil Project 22 hours ago
In Jinja, small-scale farmers are being urged to join the National Seed Oil Project (NSOP), which aims to produce raw materials for vegetable cooking oil. Richard Gulume Balyaino, the Jinja RDC, encouraged farmers to transition from sugar cane to fast-growing crops like soybeans, groundnuts, sesame, and sunflowers. These crops mature in about ninety days, offering quicker returns and reducing poverty. The project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and led by the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, will be piloted in Butagaya and Busedde sub-counties. Farmers will receive seeds and training, with road upgrades planned to aid transport.
In Jinja, small-scale farmers have been encouraged to participate in the National Seed Oil Project (NSOP), which aims to produce raw materials for vegetable cooking oil for both domestic and commercial use.
Richard Gulume Balyaino, the Jinja Resident District Commissioner (RDC), urged farmers to shift from sugar cane cultivation, a long-term cash crop, to fast-growing crops that can produce vegetable cooking oil.
“We need small-scale farmers who are ever crying of poverty and low incomes to start engaging in fast-growing cash crops that will be used for both home and commercial consumption, rather than planting long-term cash crops that need huge junks of land,” Gulume said.
The project promotes crops such as soybeans, groundnuts, sesame, and sunflowers, which mature within ninety days.
During an event at the district hall on August 2, 2024, Gulume emphasised that this short-term intervention would improve household incomes and reduce poverty.
Farmers will initially receive soybean seeds, followed by groundnut seedlings to boost vegetable oil production, which is in high demand.
“Farmers with small land, we urge you to embrace the project of soybeans and groundnuts because they mature in a period of four months and one can harvest twice in a year, thus leading to value addition that will contribute to household incomes,” Gulume added.
Jinja deputy speaker Moses Lwokyaza noted that previously dominated by sugarcane farming, the district now has an alternative with soybeans and groundnuts.
He explained that substituting sugarcane with these crops provides a ready market, enhancing household incomes and combating poverty.
“Soybeans and groundnuts have a ready market once ready. We need our farmers to take up the valuable venture because there is a high demand for oil both locally and internationally. Once adopted this will improve household incomes and poverty reduction,” he said.
Lwokyaza also mentioned that the project includes reconstructing 30 kilometres of road network in Butagaya and Busedde sub-counties to facilitate the transportation of produce to market areas.
Musa Ibanda, the Jinja district agricultural officer, announced that the NSOP will be piloted in Butagaya and Busedde sub-counties to reduce reliance on importing expensive raw materials for vegetable oils.
The project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, aims to cut import costs.
“Currently Uganda is using a lot of funds to import raw materials for vegetable oil production as opposed to animal fats. Through this new development, we want farmers to plant the raw materials where they will also benefit,” he said.
Ibanda revealed that 270 kilograms of soybean seeds in two varieties, MAK SOYA 3N and MAK SOYA 6N, will be distributed to 13 farmers in Jinja district. Additional resources include three motorcycles from MAAF and the Jinja District Local Government to facilitate project monitoring. The 13 farmers, expected to cultivate an average of 13 acres each, will be trained in producing high-quality seeds for Local Seed Businesses (LSBs) to ensure quality seeds for future seasons.
The project, in collaboration with the government, also involves upgrading 30 kilometres of road network to improve access for farmers.
Jinja is among over 40 districts benefiting from the new project.
Prossy Mutibwa, the Jinja district vice chairperson, praised the agriculture ministry for the NSOP and the provision of motorcycles, which will aid agricultural extension workers in monitoring the project.
Source Link : https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/agriculture/jinja-farmers-urged-to-embrace-national-seed-NV_193357
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