Uganda: Dairy Farming Receives Boost From Turkish Farmers

By Staff Writer

Ugandans in Kimuli - Uganda will benefit from an agreement to work with their counterparts from Turkey to improve dairy farming in the country. 

Turkish dairy farmers through the Turkish Technical Assistance Team (TIKA), will provide technical assistance and training to members of the Kamuli Dairy Farmers Association.

Speaking at a joint meeting last week, Celalettin Gungenci, the chairperson of TIKA, said Kamuli has huge potential coupled with farmers’ enthusiasm which can be realized to improve quality, quantity and standards of dairy products in Uganda.

“We are here to help dairy farmers improve milk production and quality, access market and have it contribute to the school feeding and nutrition of children as future citizens,” he said.

Moses Nyonyintondo, the project coordinator said the technical support includes providing milk coolers, providing vaccines, training farmers and exchange visits between the two groups.

“We are farmers struggling from scratch, so when you offer extra effort and expertise, it will find willing partners,” said Dr David Kazungu, the chairperson of the Kamuli Dairy Farmers Association.

Dairy farming in the eastern region mainly faces low farm-gate prices offered to farmers, especially during the peak season in relation to the costs of inputs.

Study by Dairy Development Authority carried out in 2010 indicates that Uganda loses $23 million (Shs60 billion) annually because of milk spillage due to contamination.