Jinja Agricultural and Livestock Exhibition Kicks Off with Focus on Innovation

The 31st National Agricultural and Livestock Exhibition has officially opened at the scenic Nile grounds in Jinja, attracting over 300 farmers and livestock keepers showcasing diverse agricultural products and innovations.  

Organised under the theme "Technological Innovations Driving Farm Wealth", this year's event emphasises harnessing modern expertise to transform Uganda's agricultural sector. Alex Mukotanyi, spokesperson for the Uganda National Farmers Federation, which is coordinating the exhibition, highlighted its significance in promoting quality farming practices and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.  

"This exhibition brings together exceptional innovators whose work can elevate our agricultural standards," Mukotanyi stated, urging all participants to actively engage and learn from the showcased technologies.  

Peter Kisambira, the show manager, noted this edition's international dimension with experts from China, Kenya, Japan and other countries presenting cutting-edge solutions. "We've deliberately partnered with global specialists to demonstrate how technology can revolutionise farming and livestock production locally," Kisambira explained.  

Several exhibitors, including Lwanga Mande of John Deere Tractors and Richard Muwanguzi from Sunrise Forestry Services, encouraged a massive turnout, promising visitors would benefit from the array of displayed innovations that could enhance productivity.  

The exhibition comes at a critical time when Uganda seeks to modernise its agricultural sector - the backbone of its economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment.  

President Yoweri Museveni is expected to officially inaugurate the exhibition tomorrow, with anticipation high about potential policy announcements regarding agricultural mechanisation and value addition.  

Running for five days, the event features:  
- Live demonstrations of farm machinery  
- Expert-led training sessions  
- Livestock breed showcases  
- Agro-processing exhibitions  

Farmers from across the country continue streaming into the Jinja showgrounds, eager to explore solutions that could transform their enterprises amidst challenges like climate change and market access.