By Paul Kiwuuwa
Through the Nucleus Farmer Partnership strategy, the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) has partnered with Curated Holdings International Ltd (CHIL) to enhance access to quality planting materials for Hass Avocado to out growers in Luweero district.
The nucleus farm model is a contractual arrangement where a large-scale farmer or nucleus farmer assists out growers.
The nucleus farmer is often supported by development partners, such as NGOs or the government, and is responsible for providing training on agronomic practices, inputs such as seeds, fertiliser, and agrochemicals, mechanised services such as tractor services and giving out growers market access.
Dr Samuel Mugasi, the Executive Director of NAADS disclosed that CHIL is the 9th company that has patterned with NAADS.
“Therefore, I have recommended CHIL to be taken up as one of the nucleus farmers in this region, to work with us and establish a network of out growers in this greater Luweero region,” he said.
He said NAADS is happy to bring CHIL on board because we want more Hass avocados countrywide.
“(CHIL) will help us preach the gospel of growing Hass Avocado in this part of the country and nearby areas. NAADS already has eight nucleus farmers countrywide who are large-scale producers of Hass avocado,” explained Mugasi.
Mugasi revealed this in an interview with New Vision recently during his visit at CHIL.
“I am happy to see they have already established over 100 acres of Green Gold trees. They have established a modern nursery for Hass avocado seedlings. I learnt that the nursery was certified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries,” Mugasi revealed.
“According to my assessment, CHIL is ready to do this kind of job, because all we need for nucleus farmers is a minimum of 50 acres and above for established Hass Avocado and CHIL has over 100 acres of Hass Avocado and is still expanding,” he explained.
“We have seen there is a ready market for Hass Avocado, recently the Government flagged off the first shipment of fresh Hass avocado fruits to Europe,” he said.
Faridah Najjuma, the co-director of CHIL called upon women in Luweero district to be part of the CHIL Hass Avocado value chain network saying cultivation does not need much land.
“I urge all Ugandans to engage in the business of Hass avocado, it will be a game changer for women to earn money and change their lives,” she said.
