The Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, delivered his speech through Mr. Paul Mwambu, Commissioner of Crop Inspection and Certification at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.
The journey towards resilient agricultural value chains and agro-industrialization requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including the government, government agencies, farmer associations, research institutions, private sector players, and various development partners. Collaboration fosters knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and the exchange of best practices, ultimately accelerating development. He urged all guests to seize the opportunity to forge meaningful partnerships that contribute to the realization of Uganda’s agricultural economic goals, overcoming challenges, leveraging opportunities, and creating a thriving agro-industrial sector that benefits all of Uganda.
Promoting gender equality in agriculture is not just a goal but a necessity, as women form the backbone of Uganda’s agricultural sector, making significant contributions to crop production, livestock management, and agro-business. Therefore, any vision of resilient value chains and agro-industrialization must incorporate strategies that empower women farmers as entrepreneurs. Our commitment to gender equality encompasses access to resources, training, and financial services for women in agriculture. By bridging the gender gap, we unleash a powerful force that can drive innovation, increase productivity, and enhance the overall resilience of agricultural systems.
The youth of Uganda are a dynamic force that holds immense potential for propelling the agricultural sector forward. Therefore, we must create an environment that encourages young people to view agriculture not only as a traditional occupation but also as a field filled with opportunities for entrepreneurship and technological innovation. As we foster agricultural value chains, we must engage our youth through training programs, mentorship, and access to finance. By igniting their enthusiasm and creativity, we can channel their energy towards agro-industrialization, securing the future of our agricultural sector and our nation’s prosperity.
In addition to the power of gender and youth, in this digital age, information and communication technology (ICT) is a game-changer. We must harness the potential of ICT to enhance our agricultural value chains, making them more efficient, transparent, and adaptable to changing conditions. Digital platforms can provide valuable market information, weather forecasts, and farming techniques, empowering our farmers to make informed decisions. Furthermore, ICT opens doors for agro-processing and agri-business development, connecting farmers to wider markets both domestically and internationally. By embracing digital solutions, we can foster agro-industrialization rooted in technology, ensuring our sector’s competitiveness in the global economy.
In conclusion, the Permanent Secretary expressed his gratitude to all participants, exhibitors, and organizers who contributed to the success of the 29th Agricultural Trade Show.
