Rice Production Boosts Income for Ugandan Farmer
“Before joining Acaye Ogik Farmer Field School (FFS) in 2009, I didn’t have any knowledge in rice production. I used to think rice production was purely for swampy areas and had the perception that rice production was really labor intensive,” said Raymond.
“But with the exposure and training CPAR gave me while in the FFS, I am now an expert in rice production. By planting rice seed on my one acre of land, I was able to harvest five bags (500 kg) of rice which I then sold and received 800,000 UGX Ugandan shillings ($276).”
Raymond also reinvested the revenue he earned from the sale of rice into maize production.
“I subsequently planted two acres of maize in the next season and harvested 23 bags (2.3 tones) of maize grain which I was able to sell at 1,840,000 UGX ($634).”
“I have now diversified my agricultural range of commercial crops,” says Raymond, “For example, this year I concentrated on sunflowers and sesame. I expect to reap a lot more again this year from the sesame and sunflower which I am about to harvest. As a result of CPAR’s training my self-esteem & motivation in farming has now increased.”