President Yoweri Museveni has urged Ugandan farmers to modernize agricultural production for higher yields that attract both local and international markets.The President was  addressing exhibitors at the opening of the16th Source of the Nile National Agricultural and Trade Show in Jinja.The show was organized by the Uganda National Farmers Federation and has attracted over 300 exhibitors.

The six day event is running under the theme “Targeting increased Agricultural Production as the Engine of Economic Growth”.Mr. Museveni re-affirmed government commitment to support farmers in all the spheres and told the exhibitors and show goers that the peace and security now prevailing in Uganda should act as an impetus for development.He assured farmers that now is the right time for them to work hard because there is a lot of demand for agricultural produce. “People should avoid wasting time” the President advised.

He said that government has put in place improved breeds for both crops and animals. He also said that the road network has been improved adding that the earlier network had not done well because of over reliance on external funding.

He announced that government has budgeted US$660 million for road development in the 2008/2009 financial year adding that this will go along way in accelerating national economic growth.
The President assured farmers that the Europeans and Americans have opened up opportunities for African products through AGOA and EBA tariff and quota free. He also said that China and India have also opened up for African products.

Mr. Museveni, however, said that the biggest challenge to leaders is that of carrying out massive sensitization to the grassroots on the benefits of Prosperity for All (PFA) programme.
He strongly advised grass root farmers to avoid land fragmentation. He called on families to register companies in their names in order to prosper and lead improved life.

He asked farmers not to dig a long river banks and lake shores to avoid destroying the environment.

The President assured farmers of the availability of funds to facilitate those who want to add value to their products and gave the example of Dr. Mulanga of Makerere University who has been facilitated to process bananas into flour.

He advised farmers who are interested in adding value to their products to use National Council of Science. He announced that government is setting up a fertilizer plant in Tororo in order to help improve crop production in Uganda.

President Museveni urged leaders to use local Radio Stations and educate the masses the benefits of important programs such as PFA, AGOA, and Everything But Arms (EBA). “Radios should educate the masses about the dividends of such good programmes instead of spreading false propaganda”, the President added.

The minister of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries Mr. Hillary Onek commended farmers efforts exhibited. He assured them of his ministry’s support.

The President of the Uganda National Farmers Foundation Mr. Frank Tumwebaze commended the President for his leadership that has propelled the country to higher level of development.

 
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State house