Kiryandongo refugees, host communities tipped on commercial poultry rearing

Kiryandongo, Uganda: Farmers from host communities and refugee settlements in Bweyale have been empowered with modern skills in commercial poultry rearing following a training organized by Omia Agribusiness and Development Group on Wednesday.

The training, held at Whitetaker–Bweyale, attracted farmers from sub-counties including Kichwabugingo, Kyakende, Bweyale Town Council, and Kiryandongo Town Council, with participants eager to acquire knowledge on better management of poultry and animal farming for commercial purposes.

According to Mr. Deogratious Adukule, Manager of Omia Agribusiness Kiryandongo branch, the training was organized as a way of giving back to farmers who purchase inputs from the company and to also attract new entrants into commercial farming.

“This training will enable farmers to gain new skills and improve production, while also equipping them to address challenges in animal and poultry farming,” Mr. Adukule said.

He added that Omia not only sells farm inputs such as seeds, agrochemicals, poultry feeds, and veterinary drugs but also offers extension services to farmers across the district.

Mr. Adukule highlighted the problem of middlemen exploiting farmers, saying it remains a setback to agricultural development. “You find someone buying tomatoes from a farmer at Shs600 and reselling at Shs2,000. As Omia, we try to buy at fair prices above the current market rate so farmers are not exploited,” he emphasized.

Amal Everlyn John, a student of General Agriculture at Kumi University and volunteer with Omia Agribusiness, testified that her time with the company has given her both theoretical and practical experience.

“Since joining Omia, I have learned how to deal with farmers and engage with communities. I encourage farmers to take agriculture seriously because it is the backbone of our society,” she said.