HOPE GROWS IN SOROTI THROUGH OIL SEED PROJECT

There is growing optimism among farmers in Soroti District, thanks to the success of the ongoing oil seed project being implemented under the National Oil Seed Project (NOSP), with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

During a field monitoring visit on Thursday, 8^th, May 2025, district technical and political leaders conducted a monitoring visit to oil seed farmers in Kamuda Sub- County. The team assessed the progress of two farmer groups of Oringai Farmers and Oconiponyi Farmers and expressed satisfaction with what they observed.

Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Paul Eseru commended the farmers for their efforts and commitment, saying the success of the project will greatly depend on how cooperative farmers are within their groups.

"The more united and committed you are, the more benefits you will realize. Cooperation is key to this project’s success," Eseru advised.

District Chairperson LC V, Hon. Edoru Simon Peter, also urged farmers to take oil seed farming seriously, noting that the government is committed to supporting farmers across the entire value chain.

“We are not just providing inputs; we are working to strengthen every stage of the value chain—from production to processing and marketing,” Edoru said. “This is how we build sustainable livelihoods.”

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr. Elly Piwang, encouraged the farmers to remain hardworking and diligent, especially in managing the resources they receive under the project.

Meanwhile, District Agricultural Officer (DAO) Mr. Okello Moses Echeku revealed that Soroti district is already reaping benefits from the oil seed initiative.

He noted that 60 farmer groups across the district have been earmarked for support with critical agricultural inputs.

“These inputs include hybrid seeds of soybean, simsim, and sunflower, as well as fertilizers, pesticides, spray pumps, face masks, record books, gumboots, jerrycans, gloves, and protective clothing,” Okello said.

One of the farmer group leaders, Ms. Milly Athieno, chairperson of Oconiponyi Farmers, thanked the government for the continued support.

“As a group, we were trained in oil seed farming techniques, and we’ve already planted one acre of soybeans. We are hopeful for a good harvest,” she said.

The National Oil Seed Project aims to commercialize key oil seed value chains in Uganda while improving food security, strengthening livelihoods, and increasing smallholder farmers’ resilience to climate change.

With determination, government support, and continued collaboration, farmers in Soroti are optimistic that oil seed farming will not only boost their household incomes but also transform agriculture in the region into a viable business.

Ends

By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti