By APN Reporter
apearlnews.com
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands and TechnoServe Uganda in
partnership with the Wagenigen University and Research (WUR), and BiD
Capital Partners, all non-profit organizations have launched the
Horticulture Market Acceleration Project (HortiMAP), aimed at sensitizing
smallholder farmers on how to increase production and reduce post-harvest
losses of fruits and vegetables in the Kigezi region.
The four year project that will be implemented in the districts of Kabale,
Rubanda, Rukiga, Kisoro, Kanungu and Ntungamo will foster a competitive and
horticultural sector, increase income for farmers, create jobs and improve
access to fruits and vegetables for households in the region. The launch
follows the HortiMAP project baseline findings that was done between
January and April, 2022 by Development Associates for Program Support
Consults (DAPS) Limited, which showed that post-harvest losses and handling
were high. The findings also showed that unregistered agro-dealers and fake
agro-puts are still in the market and this affects crop yields.
Speaking during the launch of the project today at White Horse Inn Kabale
in Kabale Municipality, the Horticulture Value Chain Manager at TechnoServe
Uganda, Daniel Mineno said that the project is also intended to increase
value addition and hygiene, improve storage, preservation, and member
farmers will be trained on best farming practices as well as where to get
suitable buyers for their crops.
The Kabale District LC5 Chairperson, Nelson Nshangabasheija, welcomed the
project saying that it will help farmers to add value on their crops and
access to better markets, since the member farmers will be trained in
simple techniques for improving production, harvesting and post-handling.
