The Minister for Security who is also the Rujumbura County area Member of Parliament Hon. Jim Muhwezi has urged Ugandans to embrace commercial farming and cut loose from subsistence which according to him is the source of poverty in Uganda.
Minister Muhwezi made the call yesterday Friday while launching an apple demonstration farm owned by former State Minister for Health Hon. Dr. Alex Kamugisha in Rwabwingyi cell, Buhunga Sub County Rukungiri district.
Speaking to apple farmers under their umbrella Rukungiri Apple Farmers Association, Jim Muhwezi noted that Ugandans are poor because they are stuck growing food for the purpose of eating and not for sale which he said stagnates economic growth.
He also urged citizens to venture into apple and other commercial farming projects, especially people from Kigezi Sub Region which has limited land and improved household income.
Muhwezi emphasized that government jobs are not sufficient for everyone, and commercial agriculture is one of the activities that can improve the livelihoods of the local people.
Minister Jim Muhwezi praised Hon. Dr. Alex Kamugisha for the excellent initiative, promising government support, particularly in the area of value addition.
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According to the host apple farmer, Hon. Dr. Alex Kamugisha, there is currently a ready market for apples in Uganda, encouraging people to embrace farming and increase their homestead income.
Dr. Kamugisha added that they heard that the government had a plan to help farmers on value addition on apples but all in vain encouraging it to continue this or other value-adding ventures for them to benefit more.
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At the same function, Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom the Deputy Resident District Commissioner Rukungiri stated that there is no reason why individuals shouldn’t embrace apple farming if they wish to escape poverty, as it has been shown to be one of the lucrative commercial farming endeavors.
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