Clare
In a move to embrace modernized agriculture and increase household income in Fort Portal Diocese, the Director of the National Agriculture Research Organization (NARO) Rwebitaba zonal Agricultural Research Institute, Dr. Titus Alicai, has officially handed over a complete zero grazing dairy unit to the Bishop’s House in Kijanju ward, Fort Portal City.
Speaking at the launch of the four-dairy-cow unit at the Bishop’s residence yesterday, Dr. Alicai mentioned that they had provided a structure for dairy animals, a workers’ unit, a pit latrine to serve the unit, and a 4-acre pasture field containing six types of forage grass to feed the dairy cows.
Project to be utilized in Agroecology
Receiving the project, Bishop Robert Kasaija Muhiirwa Akiiki, the local ordinary of Fort Portal Diocese, commended NARO Rwebitaba institute for journeying with them in embracing zero grazing to improve household income.
He noted that the project would not only serve as a source of milk for sale but also provide biogas and manure to support the productivity of the banana plantation at the Bishop’s house.
Bishop Muhiirwa on Zero grazing
Inspired by the Omulimi N’omuliisa Show on Jubilee Radio, Bishop Muhiirwa stated that the project would act as a demonstration center for all parishes in the Diocese, inspiring them to adopt modern agriculture.
“I got the thought of zero grazing from the Agricultural program on Jubilee Radio. I was inspired to give it a try and thank God it’s turning into a reality. Much as the cows have not arrived, we are hopeful that they will be here in the shortest period of time possible. I urge Jubilee Radio to continue enlightening people on such educative and transformative programs so they can increase on their house hold income.” Noted Bishop Muhiirwa.
He quoted President Museveni ‘s words in his speech on labor Day held in Fort Portal of desisting from agriculture only for consumption, but embracing commercialized agriculture .
Innocent Gumoshabe, an Animal Research Technician at Rwebitaba NARO institute, who was involved in the construction of the project, explained that the unit, measuring 34 by 36 feet, was designed to host four cows.
Gumoshabe, emphasized the importance of zero grazing in milk production, biogas, and natural manure, highlighting the project’s potential to serve as a demonstration center for the rest of the parishes.
Shortly after the launch, the team from NARO joined his Lordship Muhiirwa to plant a Hass avocado tree in front of the Dairy Unit in memory of the launched project.
