By Harriet Atugonza
Buliisa district farmers have been urged to revive traditional farming methods for environmental conservation.
The call was made by the state minister of public service, Mary Grace Mugasa, while launching the release of sh1.1b for the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme in Buliisa district.
Mugasa said the use of traditional (organic) manure and pesticides in spraying crops preserves the ecosystem more than the non-organic (chemicals) that can destroy the ecosystem.
Organic manure sources include animal dung that is processed locally. It adds nutrients to the soil. Mugasa encouraged farmers to plant traditional seeds that are familiar to the environment for better yields, which will enable them to get enough food for their families and surplus for sale.
“The income will help them in repaying the PDM money as well as improve their livelihoods,” she said. Mugasa asked farmers to use agri-ecology experts to train them in making traditional manure for better yields.
To repay the PDM money, the minister urged the beneficiaries to adopt a saving culture while running their projects. She revealed that the Government is in the process of reviving the Uganda Development Bank, where farmers can get loans at very low interest rates. 37
SACCOS BENEFIT
The money disbursed (sh1.1b) was for 37 PDM savings and credit co-operative societies (SACCOS). Some beneficiaries received sh1m each on their phones during the launch. Mugasa said more workers would be recruited to help in running PDM activities in the country.
She promised to handle elephant attacks on farmers’ gardens, which is a challenge in the district, to avoid sabotaging activities under PDM.
The Buliisa LC5 chairperson, Fred Lukumu, asked the PDM secretariat to sensitise the community before giving them money. The Buliisa resident district commissioner, Stephen Byaruhanga, promised maximum security during the implementation of PDM activities.
The Buliisa County MP, Allan Atugonza, encouraged the beneficiaries to invest PDM money in their projects wisely. “Currently, the demand is too high, but the supply is very low. If you try to look for chickens to prepare for 300 guests, you cannot get them in Buliisa district, you have to toil and order from other distant districts,” Atugonza said.
The Buliisa district production officer, Richard Kahwa, cited piggery, poultry and dairy as the most selected projects by the beneficiaries.
