In the heart of Teso’s expansive cassava fields, a transformative wave is unfurling, driven by the unwavering resolve of local farmers to harness their bountiful cassava harvests for economic empowerment.
At the helm of this movement is Augustine Akutu, a trailblazing cassava farmer in Amuria District, whose 500 acres stand as a testament to the region’s cassava prowess.
Despite being a bastion of cassava production, Akutu and his counterparts grapple with the daunting challenge of inadequate storage and processing facilities, resulting in substantial post-harvest losses.
Amidst his cassava expanse, Akutu underscores the imperative nature of resolving these issues.
“Without proper facilities, we’re losing tons of cassava every season. We urgently need a solution to unlock the full potential of our harvests,” asserts Augustine Akutu.
Joining the chorus is Tom Awuko, another dedicated cassava farmer, amplifying the urgent need for value addition facilities to curtail wastage.
This impassioned plea has found resonance with Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works and the second-largest cassava farmer in the Teso sub-region.
Acknowledging the region’s productivity, Minister Ecweru swiftly heeds the farmers’ call, recognizing the necessity for a cutting-edge cassava processing facility.
“We envision a facility that metamorphoses cassava into an array of value-added products, including flour, starch, biofuel, and exports,” envisions Musa Ecweru, underscoring the potential windfalls.
The proposed factory holds the promise of job creation, heightened income, and an augmented quality of life for the entire community.
“This transcends cassava; it’s about reshaping our community and forging a sustainable future for posterity,” asserts Minister Ecweru.
The clamor for a cassava factory transcends the farming fold, uniting citizens seeking an antidote to the travails endured in the fruit and citrus sectors.
The envisioned facility emerges as a beacon of hope, heralding a brighter economic landscape for Teso.
As momentum surges, the collective voice of Teso’s farmers reverberates through the fields, beckoning for a transformation that transcends mere abundance–a transformation that pledges economic prosperity for one of Uganda’s cassava-rich regions.
The voyage towards a flourishing cassava industry has commenced, propelled by the tenacity of those tilling the soil for a radiant tomorrow.
