Over 200 youths and women skilled in horticulture business

5 June 2024, 6:28 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

On 4th June, over 200 youths and women attended a symposium at Gudie Leisure Farm, where they were trained in the horticulture business. These enthusiastic participants came from various parts of the country, eager to learn about horticulture and to connect with established businessmen, businesswomen, and farmers already thriving in the industry.

Uganda is known for its diverse horticultural crops, which are produced year-round across almost all regions without the need for irrigation or fertilisers. These crops include citrus fruits, pawpaws, mangoes, pineapples, tomatoes, okra, carrots, peppers, cabbages, bananas, and a variety of other indigenous vegetables and flowers. However, many of these crops still require value addition, highlighting the importance of skilling youths at Gudie Leisure Farm.

Professor Gudula, the Managing Director of the farm, encouraged the youths to take advantage of the fertile soils and favourable climate to engage in horticulture. He emphasised that fruits like mangoes can feed a family for over twenty years while also generating income. “Horticulture is a promising venture,” he said, “but it faces challenges such as the need for proper storage of crops like tomatoes, peppers, and flowers. Despite these challenges, we want young people to engage in production and move from production to market.”

The symposium featured prominent agro-businessmen, including Atukwase Nicolas from KK Food. He advised the youths already involved in horticulture to avoid using pesticides indiscriminately, warning that the market rejects such produce due to health concerns. Instead, he urged them to leverage the ready markets for crops like matooke, millet, and sweet potatoes. “Farmers should not wait for buyers to come to them, they must actively seek out markets,” Nicolas advised.

Participants were also encouraged to be patient and focus on quality, as this is key to securing markets for horticultural products. Gabriel Damilira from the National Agricultural Research Organization introduced a new technology to help farmers spray and control pests with minimal pesticide use. The “egg-yolk” technique, suitable for small gardens, reduces pests in crops and was recommended to the youths as a viable option.

The symposium at Gudie Leisure Farm aimed to empower youths and women with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the horticulture business, ensuring a sustainable future for Uganda’s agricultural sector.