AGRICULTURE- The Minister for Security who is also the Rujumbura County Member of Parliament Hon. Jim Muhwezi has urged Ugandans to embrace commercial farming and cut loose from subsistence which according to him has kept Ugandans in poverty.
Minister Muhwezi made the call yesterday while launching an apple demonstration farm owned by former State Minister for Health Hon. Dr. Alex Kamugisha in Rwabwingyi cell, Buhunga Sub County, Rukungiri district.
Speaking to apple farmers under their umbrella, Rukungiri Apple Farmers Association, Jim Muhwezi noted that Ugandans are poor because they are growing crops for consumption rather than for sale, a state he said stagnates economic growth.
The Minister also urged citizens to venture into apple and other commercial farming projects, especially people from Kigezi Sub Region which has limited land and improved household income.
Muhwezi emphasized that government jobs are insufficient for all and that commercial agriculture is one of the activities that can improve the livelihoods of the local people.
Minister Jim Muhwezi praised Hon. Dr. Alex Kamugisha for the excellent initiative, promising government support, particularly in the area of value addition.
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According to the host apple farmer, Hon. Dr. Alex Kamugisha, there is currently a ready market for apples in Uganda, encouraging people to embrace the activity to increase their homestead incomes.
Dr. Kamugisha added that they’re aware that the government had plans to help apple farmers on value addition but all in vain hence calling for fulfillment of this promise and other value-addition ventures for them to benefit more.
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At the same function, Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom, the Rukungiri District Deputy Resident Commissioner stated that there is no reason why individuals shouldn’t embrace apple farming if they wish to escape poverty, as it has proved to be one of the lucrative commercial farming endeavors.
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