By Samuel Mugabi
A total of 3,660 farmers in Kiboga district have been trained on how to increase milk production and enhance milk quality for increased profitability and better livelihoods.
The farmers were trained by the Accelerate Dairy Production and Productivity (ADAP) project under Heifer International Uganda at Dwaniro sub-country headquarters in Kiboga.
They were sensitised on how to access stable and reliable markets for milk.
Dr Joshua Zimbe, the ADAP project manager, said the farmers were under 25 producer organisations/ co-operatives in Kiboga, Kyakwanzi, Mityana Wakiso, Nakaseke, Nakasongola and Kayunga districts.
Jackson Katusiime, the Kiboga district commercial officer, advised farmers to join co-operative societies so as to minimise exploitation by unscrupulous buyers and middlemen and to also improve production capacity.
He urged co-operatives to establish ‘central points’ where buyers can access their produce.
Ibrahim Kasule, the principal dairy inspector from the Dairy Development Authority, advised farmers to feed their cattle with nutritious foods to increase milk production and enhance the quality.
Kasule said farmers learnt how to make silage for feeding animals, especially during the dry seasons, hence making them resilient to the effects of climate change like drought.
John Tugume, a farmer, said they had a challenge of cattle trekking long distances in search of water, but many dams have now been constructed nearer to their farms.
