By Daily MirrorUG Reporter
KAMPALA — Nakaseke North farmers are poised to benefit from a series of government interventions aimed at boosting livestock production and increasing household incomes after the area Member of Parliament, Hon. Prof. Wilber Amanyisa Ahebwa, met the State Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Bright Rwamirama.
During the meeting held on Wednesday, Prof. Amanyisa presented key challenges affecting livestock farmers in Nakaseke North, with particular emphasis on the shortage of reliable water sources for animals, inadequate milk handling facilities and the limited capacity for value addition to livestock products.
He appealed to the minister to support the constituency with the construction of drinking water dams for livestock, milk coolers, metallic milk cans and milk processing equipment to enable farmers earn more from their produce.
Responding to the request, Minister Rwamirama pledged government support, saying the Ministry would provide tractors to excavate livestock water dams. However, he urged local communities and farmers to mobilise resources to provide fuel for the tractors during the excavation works.
The minister also committed to supplying milk value-addition machinery and metallic milk cans, noting that improved handling and processing would enhance the quality, safety and market value of milk produced by farmers in the area.
In addition, Rwamirama promised to strengthen extension services by equipping farmers with modern livestock farming skills. He said the ministry would facilitate training in advanced animal husbandry practices and support the distribution of improved pasture grass seeds to boost livestock productivity.
Prof. Amanyisa welcomed the commitments, describing the meeting as a major breakthrough for Nakaseke North’s livestock farmers.
He said access to water for livestock, improved milk handling equipment and modern farming knowledge would significantly increase production, reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ incomes.
The legislator pledged to mobilise farmers to work closely with the ministry to ensure the successful implementation of the agreed interventions, particularly the provision of fuel required for dam excavation.
The planned initiatives are expected to strengthen the dairy and livestock sector in Nakaseke North, where many households depend on cattle keeping as their main source of livelihood. By improving access to water, promoting value addition and enhancing farming skills, the interventions are expected to increase productivity, improve product quality and create better market opportunities for farmers.
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