KAMPALA, Uganda — The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) has impressed President Yoweri Museveni with its outstanding performance in Greater Busoga during his recent wealth creation tour.
As a critical agency implementing the Parish Development Model (PDM), NAGRC&DB has been at the forefront of promoting production, storage, processing, and marketing in the region. The agency’s efforts have focused on breeding and multiplying high-performance livestock breeds, boosting community breeding outreach programs, and mass-producing livestock feed.
The transformation of Busoga into a highly productive livestock hub is a testament to NAGRC&DB’s success. Farmers in the region now have access to subsidized, high-quality livestock and poultry breeds, as well as affordable animal feeds. Over 7,000 farmers are currently benefiting from these initiatives.
One of the key factors contributing to NAGRC&DB’s success is the transformation of Kasolwe stock farm into a Centre of Excellence. This initiative has enabled the establishment of various enterprises, including poultry, fish, piggery, goat, and cattle breeding. A 5MT/hr animal feed mill has also been set up to process high-quality, affordable feeds for farmers in the region.
The animal feed mill has greatly improved the quality and affordability of animal feeds in the region. Before its establishment, farmers in the region were struggling to access high-quality and affordable feeds. The mill has bridged this gap, and farmers are now able to access the feeds they need to improve their livestock production.
The Centre of Excellence has also established a skilling and knowledge transfer complex, which aims to disseminate livestock, poultry, and fish breeding and production solutions through skilling of farmers, students, veterinary and para-veterinary professionals. This initiative has greatly improved the capacity of farmers and other stakeholders in the livestock sector.
Additionally, the government has established a liquid nitrogen plant in Njeru to support breeding and multiplication of high-quality livestock breeds. This initiative has benefited over 4,000 farmers, reducing their costs and improving breeding timelines.
NAGRC&DB’s efforts have also included the establishment of a community breeding satellite center in Iganga, which has reached over 1,500 farmers through mass trainings and artificial insemination programs. The center has also provided specialized training and skilling in better animal husbandry practices.
Farmers in the region have praised NAGRC&DB’s initiatives, saying they have greatly improved their livelihoods. “I was able to access high-quality poultry breeds and feeds through NAGRC&DB’s program,” said one farmer. “My poultry production has greatly improved, and I am now able to earn a decent income.”
The impact of NAGRC&DB’s initiatives has also been felt in the area of poverty reduction. Many farmers in the region have reported an increase in their incomes, thanks to the improved productivity and quality of their livestock.
Looking ahead, the government plans to operationalize a floating fish feed production plant in Busoga and invest in dairy breeding and production to further transform the region’s livestock sector. These initiatives are expected to create new opportunities for farmers and other stakeholders in the sector.
President Museveni’s wealth creation tour highlighted the significance of NAGRC&DB’s work in Greater Busoga, demonstrating the agency’s critical role in driving economic growth and development in the region.
The President’s visit was seen as a major boost to the region’s livestock sector, with many farmers expressing optimism about the future of their businesses.
As NAGRC&DB continues to implement its initiatives in Greater Busoga, the agency is expected to play an increasingly important role in driving economic growth and development in the region.
