MANDATE 

As a sector, we are mandated to increase production and productivity of the Agricultural enterprises in the value chain of crops, livestock and fisheries. 

Our agricultural sector has seen significant advancements, driven by a shared vision of enhancing productivity, sustainability, and the livelihoods of our farmers. We have introduced various programs aimed at improving farming techniques, providing high-quality seeds, and facilitating access to markets. These initiatives have led to increased crop yields and diversified agricultural practices, ensuring food security and higher incomes for our farming communities.

A key focus of our efforts has been the empowerment of our farmers through education and support. We have conducted numerous training sessions and workshops on modern farming methods, pest management, and sustainable agricultural practices.

The introduction of agricultural extension services has been instrumental in disseminating knowledge and providing on-ground support to our farmers. Looking forward, we remain committed to building on our successes and addressing the challenges that lie ahead.

Our future goals

• Promoting Agri-business,
• Enhancing value addition
• Expanding water for production systems to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

By fostering innovation and resilience in our agricultural sector, we aim to create a prosperous and sustainable future for all residents of Bunyangabu

Achievements of the department 

• We have reached close to 36,000 households giving advisory services in crop, in livestock and fisheries.
• Undertaken some projects. For instance, we have constructed the mini laboratory at the district headquarters and its annexe and this has costed us Shs 187 million
• Constructed 7 market stalls in various sub-counties in Rwimi Town Council, Kibiito Sub County, Kyamukube Town Council and Rubona Town Council
• Constructed 8 slaughter slabs in Rwimi Town Council, Kibiito Sub County at Kasunganyanja Market, Rubona Town Council, Kyamukube Town Council, Kateebwa Sub County and Kibiito Town Council and Nyakigumba town council.
• Procured a motorcycle (DT Yamaha) at Shs 18 million and its being used by extension workers to carry out advisory services
• For years we have promoted the model village approach and we used to award the best performers in the village in all the (15) fifteen lower local governments. We supported the first 4 in each administrative unit and these would be given goats and piglets. In total, we have given out 60 goats and 60 piglets.
• We procured a bee venom collector that was given to one of the groups, High Hope Foundation, that will be undertaking beekeeping.
• Supported beekeeping industry with 467 improved KTB beehives
• Supported farmers with micro-irrigation systems and supported 11 farmers who have contributed 25 per cent of the total cost of the irrigation system and the government has contributed 75 per cent of the irrigation system. In addition, there are two demonstration irrigation demos and these have been completed.
• Under the Agriculture Cluster Development Project, we supported 3 groups in the coffee and maize value chain. These are Kabonero Mountainous and Kibota – Kateebwa, which were supported with a stall and value-addition equipment. They can now process coffee for export.
• For the Balema-Kweyamba, we supported with a maize mill. They are now milling their maize and this is bringing in income to the members of those cooperative societies.
• Under ACDP, we supported one farmer. We gave him a mini-irrigation system under coffee irrigation model. By that time, he was on 6 acres of bananas and coffee intercropped but now, using the proceeds from the coffee and bananas, he has been able to increase his coffee garden to 14 acres.
• Under NAADs, we have received support of 7 tractors. Two were under support for cereal farmers and five were under the AgriLED programme. These have heled farmers to do timely planting, increasing production and productivity in the key commodities that we undertake in the district.
• We have also considered our farmers for coffee seedlings. We have since supported farmers with over 2.5 million coffee seedlings and farmers have already begun to realize profits.
• Supported 16 youth households and other 33 households under the diary and this has increased milk production in the district
• We have indentified 8 farmers who have benefited from the Hass Avocado.
• They have already planted 13.7 acres of Hass avocado. Within Bunyangabu, We are proud that when people will be selling Hass avocado, which is a high-value crop for export, we shall also be benefiting. 

AGRO-INDUSTRIALIZATION

1. This program is being implemented by the department of Production and the following were achieved
2. Agricultural inputs have been procured for the establishment of Demo gardens which will be established in September-November season.
3. The inputs include; 10 bags DAP, 10 bags UREA, 150 kgs maize seed, 20 tins of cauliflower, 30 tins of Tomatoes, 50 Tins of Green paper, 50 Tins of Egg plants, 10 Boxes of fungicide, 50 Sackets of Onions,50 Sackets of Cabbages.
4. Food security and Nutrition items for vulnerable households procured and these include; 600 Kroiler chicks, 50 sackets of cabbages, 5boxes of fungicides, 30 tins of egg plants, 300kgs of iron rich beans, 20 tins of Cornflower, 15bags Orange flesh sweet potato veins, 5 bags of Urea,5 bags of DAP procured for food security and nutrition awareness and multiplication.
5. Rubona road side market stall face lifted and now ready for business.
6. Establishment and construction of 2 irrigation Demo sites in Rwimi at Kahwa Brians farm and at Kyaruhiga Josephs farm in Buheesi Town Council, works is at completion stage.
7. Under micro scale irrigation, 12 farmers have been supported with solar powered irrigation systems on co- funding arrangements where a farmer contributes 25% and Government contributes 75% an equivalent of 18m. Installation works are at completion stage.
8. 15 Farmer mobilization and sensitization activities were conducted in lower local Governments on Micro scale irrigation technologies.
9. Expression of interest by farmers conducted whereby 270 Farmers have expressed interest on microscale irrigation project.
10. 75 Beehives were procured and distributed to 21 farmers.
11. Procuring Bee venon collector for venom extraction for High Hope foundation is ongoing.
12. Procuring a solar powered refrigerator for vaccine storage, the process is ongoing.
13. Livestock vaccinations was done. Cattle were vaccinated against lumpy skin disease and Dogs were vaccinated against rabies

CHALLENGES 

1. As a department, we have a challenge of understaffing. We are only ten and managing 15 lower local governments. At the district we are two while the eight staff are doing the advisory work which is too low as compared to the structure of 78 staff that we are supposed to have.
2. We have also had challenges of unpredictable weather, coupled with landslides and wind and at one time we even lost lives in Kateebwa Sub County
3. We also have challenges of low prices at time. There are times when we have sold our maize and a kilogram at just Shs 500 even when we had invested heavily in post-harvest handling.
4. Roads are impassable during the rainy season, especially in rural areas where our farmers are and that poses a problem of market access. They are unable to bring their produce to the main market that we have in urban areas