Vision Reporter
11 November 2009
Kampala — BAKUNGA Donozio, came on foot for the 2009 vanilla day celebrations. However, he went back riding a brand new motorbike after he emerged the best vanilla farmer in Uganda out of 20,000 farmers in 2009.
A resident of Ngongwe, Bukenya zone, he was selected because of his clean record in the production of vanilla. "We considered quality and quantity of the produce, plus obedience to Uganda Vanilla Growers Association," said Agha Ssekalala, the chairman of the association.
Bakunga has got over 2,000 well maintained plants and produces at least 800kg per season.
"We went to all vanilla growing zones and selected the best farmers per region. From among them, we selected the best overall," said Ssekalala.
Also awarded was the second female farmer, who was given a motorbike.
"We considered both male and female farmers. There are many females growing vanilla," Ssekalala said.
Bakunga said the award did not come as a surprise since he had put a lot of effort on his vanilla farm.
He said: "The motorbike will ease my transport. I will be able to move to and from my residence and look for market for my products."
The bikes were handed over by the Danish Ambassador to Uganda, who was the chief guest at the function. In addition to the two motorbikes, 32 bicycles and 48 radio sets were also handed out to the farmers.
Between the late 1990s and early 2000, vanilla was a major cash crop in Mukono, Kasese, Bundibugyo, Wakiso and Mpigi districts. However, after prices dropped at the world market, many farmers stopped the production.
Ssekalala says more and more people are growing vanilla again as prices have stabilised.
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