Apple farmers challenged to translate the fruit into business for economic development.

Apple farmers in the Rwenzori sub-region have been challenged to translate the fruit into business for economic development and food security.

This was sounded yesterday by the Executive director Kasese Apple Growers Organization-KAGO Mr John Kimadi while addressing farmers of Bulyambaghu and Busanda in Kabonero Sub-County Bunyangabo district during a two-day monitoring Exercise in the area.

John Kimadi advised the apple farmers to apply organic manure, fertilizer and fence their apple gardens for security.

He revealed that the government has pledged to construct an apple juice-processing factory in Kasese district but quickly said that the establishment of the facility will depend on sustainable production.

He hailed the apple farmers in the Rwenzori region for owning the project appealing to them to apply for more trees in the next supply of September this year and ensure the gardens are clean.

Abel Masereka a farmer in Bulyambaghu village, appealed to the government to provide agricultural loans to the apple farmers in the area to enable them to procure farm inputs and fertilizer among others.