By Brian Atuhura
More than 3,000 small holder farmers from the Bunyoro, Northern,and Central regions have participated in the 14th Agri-Business expo held at Kihonda Demonstration Center in Labongo Sub-County, Masindi District.

The two-day event attracted over exhibitors showcasing a wide range of agricultural technologies,innovations,and services, particularly in agronomy, climate -smart agriculture,and post-harvest handling.

Held under the theme,"Promoting Resilient Food Systems for Improved Household incomes and Food Security," the expo provided a platform for farmers to learn about modern farming practices, access quality agricultural inputs,and connect with market players and financial institutions.

Speaking during the event,the Programmes Manager of the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC),Paul Ocuna,said the council is committed to supporting small holder farmers through market linkages, access to finance,and capacity building.

Ocuna noted that while agriculture employs about 80 percent of Uganda's population, the sector contributes only about 20 percent to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underscoring the need to transform farming from subsistence production to commercially oriented agriculture supported by agro-industrialization and structured markets.

He highlighted EAGC's flagship interventions, including the establishment and support of grain business hubs that provide farmers with access to certified agricultural inputs, technical advisory services, proper storage facilities, warehouse management support,and certification services.

"One of our key priorities is strengthening farmer based enterprises through grain business hubs to improve productivity, quality,and market access,"Ocuna said.

Presiding over the opening ceremony,Buruli County Member of Parliament,Hon.Aled Ronald Akugizibwe, commended EAGC for its continued partnership with Masindi District in organizing the annual farmers' expo.

He proposed that future expos be held in August instead of June to allow farmers sufficient time to plant seeds and technologies acquired during the event under more favorable weather conditions.

The legislator also called for urgent interventions to combat the spread of striga weed, which has severely affected maize production in Masindi and other parts of the region, causing significant losses to farmers.

Masindi Chief Administrative Officer, Samuel Ruhweza Kaija,said the expo is intended to enhance agricultural productivity and household incomes through the dissemination of modern farming technologies and knowledge.

He appealed to the government to consider reducing the farmer co-funding requirement under the micro-scale irrigation Programme from 25 percent to at least 10 percent, arguing that the move would encourage more farmers to adopt irrigation technologies and boost production.

Closing the two-day event, Masindi District Vice Chairperson Bright Mugume,who represented District Chairperson Patrick Wobusobozi, pledged continued collaboration between the district and the Eastern Africa Grain Council to expand and strengthen the expo.

Mugume said the district would work closely with EAGC to elevate the annual event to greater heights beginning next year,with the aim of reaching more farmers and promoting agricultural commercialization across the region.