In a significant step towards transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector, the Busoga subregion has launched the Village Agricultural Model (VAM) Planting Season in Mayuge, Namayingo, and Kamuli districts.
This initiative, championed by the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD), aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, and improve livelihoods across the region.
The launch event, organized in three model villages—Mashaiga in Mayuge, Namayombe in Namayingo, and Busana in Kamuli—brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, district leaders, local leaders, and agricultural experts.
Uganda’s Third Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Rukia Nakadama, who presided over the launch in Mayuge District, emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to ensuring food security, improving household incomes, and fostering economic growth through agriculture. We urge farmers to embrace these improved practices for a more productive and prosperous future,” Nakadama stated.
The VAM Planting Season aligns with the government’s broader agricultural transformation agenda, the Parish Development Model (PDM), which seeks to reduce poverty and enhance rural development.
According to Dr. Joseph Muvawala, the Prime Minister of the Busoga Kingdom, “The Busoga Consortium for Development has complemented the government of Uganda and the Obwakyabazinga bwa Busoga in fostering development. We urge the people of Busoga to invest directly in mass production.”
Local farmers expressed optimism about the initiative, highlighting its potential to address challenges such as soil degradation and low crop productivity.
The Minister for Agriculture in Obwakyabazinga bwa Busoga (OBB), Owek. Nkenga, assured farmers of high production yields, stating, “The future lies in investing in mass production of soy milk, animal feed, and soya seed production.”
This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on Uganda’s agricultural sector, boosting food security and economic growth.
Meanwhile, Dr. Muvawala praised the Busoga Consortium for Development for complementing the government’s efforts in fostering development.
Notably, the Busoga Consortium has partnered with China Agricultural University to promote, train, and add value to soya production in the region. This partnership is expected to boost production, with Owek. Nkenga assuring farmers of high yields of up to 1,000 kilograms per acre, with a guaranteed market from the Busoga Consortium.
Future plans include investing in the mass production of soy milk, animal feed, and soya seeds. Additionally, there are efforts to integrate the Village Agricultural Model with the Parish Development Model to improve livelihoods.
This initiative is part of the broader Village Agricultural Model (VAM) strategy, which aims to transform Busoga into a model of sustainable development. The VAM, a strategy successfully implemented in China, has played a key role in eliminating extreme poverty and promoting economic growth.
