By Damba Rogers
Youth farmers under their platform, Uganda national youth farmers federation are tasking the government to fast track the country’s irrigation master plan to support irrigation across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the youth for food security online competition in Kampala today, The CEO Uganda national youth farmers federation, Denis Kabiito mentions that since 2016 when the government committed to fast-tracking the master plan, nothing positive has been realized hence the need to have it in place to facilitate agriculture improvement.
The online food security competition running from today till the end of August 2020 is aimed at rewarding five innovative youth farmers across the country who are exhibiting new farming techniques amidst the COVID19 pandemic lockdown geared towards combating food security.
Buwuule Nehemiah, a young farmer in Zirobwe – Luwero district is advising fellow youth farmers to shift from low value and long maturing crops to fast-maturing crops of high value.
Uganda’5% irrigation statistics are very much worrying given the abundance of fresh water in the many water bodies across the country.
The CEO Uganda national youth farmers federation, Denis Kabiito is asking the government to consider recruiting over 3000 agriculture extension workers to help provide technical advice to the farmers.
According to Kabiito, they have frequently asked the government to consider recruiting more extension workers, but this has not come to bear fruit to date.
With over 5000 extension workers needed, the government could recruit only 3000 extension workers who have not served the purpose.
Now youth farmers advise the government to consider recruiting youth in the department of agriculture extension since they are energetic and innovative to create positive change in the sector.
Youth farmers are also asking the government to consider reducing the interest rate charged off the agriculture credit facility provided by commercial banks to enable youth farmers to access and easily service their loans.
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