By Henry Okech
The Government of Uganda through its line Ministry of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries in collaboration with the Korean Government have launched a 5-year project code named “Development of Africa Rice Seed Cultivation Complex in Uganda” with a major aim to boost rice production in Tochi Irrigation Scheme Oyam District.
This 5-year project will enable the Government of Uganda, through its line Ministry of Agriculture, Animal and fisheries to rehabilitate over 50 hectares on Block 5 of the scheme, which is located in Oyam District.
The project will also enable farmers to access 13,000 metric tons of quality rice seed.
Launching the project in Entebbe recently the Commissioner crop protection Byantwale Tibeijuka Stephen says the project is a big boost to our rice farmers in the northern part of Uganda he applauded the Korean government for the support.
“As country and most especially the Ministry we honored to be part of this project which is estimated to cost $4 million ,and with this support we shall be able to rehabilitate 65 hectares of land, we are also looking at promoting high yielding variety of rice which can produce over 5 metric tons per acre this will be one of the biggest contributions to our farmers ”
The commissioner further says the project is timely since it aligns with the government’s strategy to promote commercial farming plus increasing farmers’ incomes.
Oyam District local Government where the project will be implemented was represented by the district chairperson Dilla Benson Oyuku who says the project is very much welcome to the District since a number of small holder Rice farmers in the District will be able to benefit “We as Oyam District local government we have high hopes in this project since our farmers will be able to benefit from the new technologies, capacity building and accessing improved seed varieties and markets”
According to the project Manager Kim Shinjae says, their major goal is to produce high-quality rice seeds with a target of 20,000 tons annually and will be supplied to 30 million globally
Project interventions in the form of civil works, capacity building, technology transfer and enhanced access to quality seed, are also aimed at achieving an annual yield of 2,158,000 metric tons by 2028.
This project is supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA).
With the introduction of this project, Uganda joins 6 other African countries which include Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Ghana, Cameroon and Kenya as part of the Korea Rice Belt Program.
