Nathan Etengu
8 November 2007
Kampala — A group of rice growers from Butaleja district on Tuesday visited their colleagues in Tororo and Busia to improve their skills.
Led by their chairperson, Ahmed Naleba, the farmers toured two fruit farms in Tororo and a fish farm in Busia district.
"We wanted our members to learn alternative ways of earning income.
Much as we have excelled in rice growing, it is time to identify alternative sources of income," Naleba said.
In Mukuju sub-county in Tororo, the farmers listened to the success story of Lauben Angopa, a retired primary school teacher.
"When I retired, my only possession was a grass- thatched hut. I began growing cabbages and onions and managed to set-up a semi-permanent house," he told the visitors.
Angopa said he, thereafter, took to fruit farming which made him a millionaire.
"I started planting the fruit trees in 2000. By 2003, I was able to earn sh3m. The following year, I earned sh7m and in 2005, I bagged sh21m."
He said 2006 saw a big boost in his business when he earned sh36m from the sale of fruits.
From the revenue, Angopa said, he has bought 1,000 acres of land in different parts of the sub-county.
In Busia, the farmers visited Philip Adome's fish ponds that bring him sh50m per year. Adome said he supplies fingerlings (young fish) to over 150 farmers in Busia district.
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