By Abdulkarim Ssengendo
Leaders of the farm institutes have asked the government to construct for them agriculture warehouses.
The call was made by Immaculate Kyokwijuka, the Principal Kitagata Farm Institute.
She said that once the facilities are constructed in these institutes, it will improve the bulking of produce.
Uganda has four farm institutes; Kitagata Farm Institute, Rwentanga Farm Institute, Rwampara Farm Institute and Ssese Farm Institute.
Kyokwijuka believes that once they are fully supported with warehouses, it will contribute to producing enough food for the population and the economy’s growth.
“Once the facilities are constructed, they will not only benefit the institutions but also farmers around them to store their grain and have it graded before being delivered to both the domestic and foreign markets. It will also shield farmers from middlemen exploitation,” she said.
“These facilities act as a good platform to educate farmers, boost grain quality and standards of produce,” Kyokwijuka added.
Kyobutungi who heads an institute of 476 students believes the warehouses will support the agro-processing department in the institutes and enable them to process their goods commercially.
She noted that in Kasana where Kitagata Farm Institute is located, farmers sell milk at sh1400 a litre, but she believes if given a warehouse with an agro-processing section, farmers will add value to their milk.
She explained that the warehouses will also help in practical studying which will attract more students to the institutions.
LEAD CAPTION: Immaculate Kyokwijuka (central) Principal Kitagata Farm Institute with a student and a staff showing harvests from the institute garden.
