By Herbert Musoke
Agricultural modernisation requires professionals throughout the production value chain to enhance both quantity and quality, thus promoting the commercialisation of agriculture.
Robina Kizito Katongole, the headteacher at Gayaza High School, says this year’s annual farm camp was themed Exploring Entrepreneurship Opportunities Along the Agricultural Value Chain.
Students from various schools showcased different innovations and received training in several agricultural enterprises.
Professional Agricultural Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, the spokesperson of the Uganda People’s Defence Force, encouraged the campers to pursue professional careers in agriculture as the country moves towards commercialisation and industrialisation of the sector.
“Agriculture is not just for the uneducated, poor or those who have lost in life. It is a noble and crucial field. Remember, a person needs a farmer at least three times a day,” he said.
There are numerous professional paths in agriculture, including farm engineering, artificial insemination, agronomy, nutrition, soil science, accounting, procurement, record keeping, food processing and surveying.
Professionals can establish enterprises that provide essential services to farmers.
“Besides working as professionals, individuals can also engage in farming as a career, thereby creating job opportunities and enhancing professionalism in farm management and agribusiness, given that agriculture accounts for 70% of employment in the country,” he added.
Organic Fertiliser Students from Gayaza High School demonstrated an organic fertiliser made from green plants and indigenous micro-organisms (IMO).
Ann Nassanga, the president of the Young Future Farmers of Africa club at Gayaza High School, explained that this mixture can be used both as a fertiliser and a pesticide.
OrganicfFertiliser
Nassanga demonstrated how they create organic fertiliser using green weeds and indigenous microorganisms (IMO).
“We gather green weeds like the spider plant, tie them into a sack and hang it halfway into a water container. We add a spoonful of IMO to promote microbial activity and in four-seven days, the mixture is ready for use,” she explained.
Human hair fertiliser
Students from St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) attracted significant attention with their innovation using human hair and fish scales to create fertiliser.
Sabastian Nyanzi from SMACK, said human hair, often discarded by salons, is rich in nutrients beneficial to crops.
“We mix the human hair with fish scales in a bucket or container of hot water for 30 minutes. The nutrients dissolve into the water and are ready for use,” he said.
This method not only helps clean up waste, but also provides a quick and effective fertiliser for farmers.
Chicken chips
At Ndejje SSS, the Agripreneur Club showcased products that add value to various agricultural enterprises.
They exhibited chicken chips, beef powder, avocado powder made from seeds, bean powder and soy coffee.
Nancy Akullu, the team leader, noted that the club explores opportunities and enterprises along the agricultural value chain.
“We generate income from these products when students, teachers and parents purchase them,” she said.
Making rooting hormone
Pupils from Mathematics Science and Technology (MST) Junior School in Bwerenga-Entebbe, owned by Dr Emma Naluyima and Washington Mugerwa, demonstrated how to make rooting hormone.
Galiana Nakato explained that the process involves using maize or bean seeds, tissue or cotton wool, a plastic plate, an egg and water.
“Cover the seeds with soaked cotton wool or tissue for three days, until they start germinating. Blend the seeds with the egg and water. The resulting substance acts as a rooting hormone, but it must be used within 24 hours to stimulate root development,” she explained.
Snail farming for csmetics
Another intriguing exhibit was snail farming for cosmetics, which drew considerable interest.
Attendees were curious about how snails are kept and their fluids extracted for use in cosmetic products.
Practical application
Bright Rwamirama, the State Minister for Animal Industry, urged students to apply the knowledge gained from the farm camp to help their parents save money and create income sources.
He praised Gayaza High School for its decade-long commitment to the farm camp, highlighting its role in transforming the perception of agriculture from a burden to a business opportunity.
Patrick Muhinda, the farm manager at Gayaza High School, noted that this year’s camp saw over 700 attendees who learned best practices in dairy farming, banana cultivation, poultry, piggery, farm machinery and value addition techniques, such as yogurt making, baking and crisps production.
“These trainings were facilitated by our partners, including National Animal Genetic Resources Centre (NAGRIC) and Data Bank, URUS, Engineering Solutions Limited, as well as Food and Agriculture Organisation. Others are Sums, National Union of Coffee Agribusinesses and Farm Enterprises, Jesa, Stanbic Bank and National Agricultural Research Organisation, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of how to profit from agriculture,” he said.
Sweet potato products
The National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) under the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) exhibited various sweet potato products, including bread, cakes, snacks, colourants and flour.
Samuel Wamani, a researcher with NaCRRI, explains that these products are made from orange-fleshed sweet potatoes rich in vitamins that support eye health and boost immunity. Additionally, they introduced a new purple sweet potato variety with nutrients that help prevent cancer.
“Sweet potatoes are widely grown, but we had to innovate new products to extend their shelf life and encourage consumption across all generations,” Wamani explains.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Nasanga (second-right), a student of Gayaza High School, explaining to Rwamirama (second-left) how they make organic fertiliser during this year’s annual farm camp at Gayaza High School. Left is Kizito.
