Rice and maize farmers in Lakangoni village in Amuru Sub-county have not gained much from their land due to numerous challenges. some of the setbacks include the changing weather patterns, poor farming methods and the quality of seeds. Michael Okola the leader of Lakangoni Farmer’s group in Lakangoni village said the group grows rice and maize using hand and hoes. Each group member can only till not less than 10 acres of land. Okola said the agro-business projects would help them acquire post-harvest handling machines and chemicals to fight pests.

The UK Government Department for International Development recently launched a project aimed at transforming the Economy of Northern Uganda through an initiative. The officials met leaders from Lango, Acholi, Western Nile region and Gulu to launch the five-year project. “We think there is an opportunity to increase rice productivity in Uganda as a whole and Northern Uganda in particular.” The project would provide technical advice and long -term quality capital on commercial term to benefit small holder farmers. “Let us now open the opportunity for reproduction of animal feeds in Uganda to be competitive, to compete with the regional producer.” we are working with an investee who again provides small holder farmers with support in terms of post-harvest management, because most farmers are in organic we are doing integrated pest management that must have no chemical in prevention.”

The team leader of NUC Marketing Booment Opoyo said giving farmers access to tractors would increase the level of productivity and reduce the poverty. The agri-business would focus on Private Sector to transform the economy of Northern Uganda through the new ideas, technology and research.