Rukungiri Leaders Inspect Successful Farmers, Urge Adoption of Modern Farming

Rukungiri: Leaders in Rukungiri District have completed a two-day joint monitoring exercise aimed at learning from successful farmers and encouraging others to adopt modern farming practices.

The monitoring team included in the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the LCV Chairperson and District Executive Committee (DEC) members, Public Accounts Committee (PAC), District Production staff, and among others.

The team visited farmers engaged in enterprises such as coffee growing, banana plantations, dairy farming, piggery, and fish farming in Greater Kebisoni and Buyanja sub-counties on April 9 and 10.

Among the farmers visited was Edison from Nyarutuntu village, who deals in piggery and fish farming. He operates two fish ponds with over 25,000 tilapia fish, each selling at UGX 20,000. He also keeps over 40,000 catfish, which he sells at the same price. Edison encouraged fellow farmers to embrace diverse farming for better income.

In Buyanja Sub-county, Patrick Musasizi from Rwabakyere village, a banana farmer, said he owns eight acres of land. He harvests between 50 to 80 bunches of bananas weekly, selling each at UGX 40,000. He urged farmers to invest in large-scale farming to increase earnings.

Speaking after the visits, the Chief Administrative Officer, Frederick Byekwaso, said farmers who have embraced modern farming methods are earning better incomes and improving their livelihoods. He encouraged other farmers to learn from these successful examples and apply similar techniques.

The District Production Officer, Pius Oneck, said the monitoring exercise was aimed at assessing whether extension workers are effectively supporting farmers with knowledge and modern farming skills. He added that continuous guidance will help farmers improve production and productivity.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Dickens Muhoozi, also encouraged farmers to remain committed to modern farming practices in order to improve their incomes and livelihoods.