Lubega said many farmers in the sub-region have failed to access better markets within and outside the country due to lack of knowledge on best farming practices in the maize value chain.
Parts of the Acholi Sub-region have been experiencing scattered rainfall for the past three days, raising hopes among farmers eager to begin the first planting season after months of harsh dry spells.
Jomo noted that some of the farmers had already prepared their gardens and dug holes while waiting for the delivery of the coffee seedlings ahead of the onset of rainfall to start planting.
K P Eswar, the Director of Corporate Affairs at Madhvani Group of Companies told URN Friday that the signing of the lease agreement now gives the company a go ahead to commence works on the land.
Amuru District Police Commander Julius Jingo told stakeholders at a meeting Thursday in Kololo Parish, Lakang Sub-county that conducting a fresh verification of the cattle keepers will help to ascertain the numbers of compliant cattle keepers.
Prof Pen-Mogi however noted that it’s pointless for Madhvani to start seeking for more land before even commencing works on the 10,000 hectares that they will be getting from the government.
Jane Nalunga, the Executive Director, SEATINI noted during the project launch that there are wide concerns in the sub-region on the quality of maize and maize products which has seen some being rejected internally and the international markets.
Martin Ocen, a resident of Ngora Parish in Paimol Sub-county told Uganda Radio Network in an interview that the renewed attacks have affected the normal lives of residents who now have to be indoors by 6 pm following a temporary curfew imposed in their area by security.
Rogers Masaba, the Deputy Manager Water for Production Regional Centre, said the water reservoir will equip agricultural land for irrigation, and provide water for drinking, food production and livestock watering.
Dr Kidega had been producing maize silage, until two years ago, when he embarked on growing Chloris Gayana (Rhodes grass), a drought resistant perennial grass suitable for hay making on his 20 acres’ farmland in Unyama B village in Pece-Laroo Division, Gulu City.
Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, the Fourth Infantry Division Commander says he has already made a request for a Helicopter from the Uganda People's Defence Airforce (UPDAF) to help in driving away the stray elephants back into the conservation area.
Oceng told Uganda Radio Network in an interview that the donation targets to boost food security and ensure farmers in the region join the viable food export market especially to the neighboring South Sudan.
Leonard Komakech, the Public Relations Officer Atiak Sugar told Uganda Radio Network Monday that so far 315 stray cattle have been impounded in response to the destruction of sugarcane as multiple measures to avert their incursions are being drawn.
State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, Dr. Kenneth Omona, told Uganda Radio Network in an interview that the initiative, once implemented, is expected to improve access to high-quality coffee seedlings for the growing population of coffee farmers in the region.
Okino says the extreme temperatures experienced in the region, account for the low survival rates of young coffee plants and flower abortion in mature coffee trees leading to poor yields and losses.
Akori expressed concerns about reports of beneficiaries misusing the funds on non-productive activities such as alcohol consumption. “Some people are spending the money on things like alcohol instead of investments that can improve their lives. This defeats the whole purpose of the program,” she warned.
Speaking during an oversight visit by the Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and his shadow cabinet Monday, Ahmed noted that most of the factory failures have been blamed on Horyal Investments Holding Company Ltd despite UDC being a shareholder.
Sylvia Owori, the Director of Operations at Operation Wealth Creation told stakeholders in Gulu City last week that the availability of the young growing workforce is key in driving the coffee economy in Northern Uganda.
Mohamoud Ahmed, the Director of Planning and Investment at Atiak Sugar Factory, told stakeholders on Monday that the factory can only resume full-scale operations once it has a sustainable irrigation system in place.
Kabibi however notes that with the potential Northern Uganda presents in the coffee sector, the target of producing 20 million bags by 2030 bags will be ably achieved.
Julius Ocungi · author