By Ibrahim Ruhweza
Different exhibitors are already set at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, showcasing agricultural products aiming at boosting farming yields and adding value to agricultural products. The Harvest Money expo has attracted over 500 agricultural farmers and dealers. Norman Ampurira, a sales manager of Sesaco Limited Soya Products, says many Ugandans need to start consuming organic products which are free of cholesterol. Organised under the theme, “Farming as a Business and Value Addition”. Farmers who will attend the expo will walk away with skills and tips to carry out successful urban farming.
Ampurira says this is a great opportunity for Ugandans to come and pick lessons on how to balance their diet and live longer. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ugandans’ life expectancy has increased from 45 to 60 years. However, Ampurira says, this is likely to increase by at least another 20 years once one begins to use organic products. This was demonstrated when the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the entire world, leaving many people starving and others dead. However, the same pandemic did not claim many lives in Uganda, owing to their bodies’ strong immunity.
Soya has protein and boosts the immune system of the user. If one is conscious of their health, they need to take soya products or others that are in the same class. People need to know that consuming organic products is the way to go,” he says.
“If you eat healthy, you definitely have a high chance of living longer,” he adds. Ampurira is also exhibiting soya milk, maize flour and soya baking powder, which have fiber as well. He says aside from selling and showcasing their products, Ampurira is going to offer some basic knowledge and skills on how to make their own organic products.
Another exhibitor, David Sebanja, a dealer in biogas products is optimistic that this expo will showcase his skill in making biogas from leaves. He also deals in yam seedlings, which have proven to be the best producers of carbohydrate ever. Accordingly, farming employs many people, though it still requires much knowledge and the right guidance from the farmer.
The Harvest Money expo that has started today and is ending on Sunday February 12, is sponsored by the Kingdom of Netherlands, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS), Pepsi, ENGSOL, RIELA/ UPFRONT, Agricultural Credit Facility (ACF) and Uganda Warehouse Receipt System Authority (UWRSA), Champrisa International and State House.
The exhibitors at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds… Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba
