Located in the fertile lands of Kole District, Northern Uganda, Timo Fresh Fruit farm has emerged as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and community spirit. This 5.3-acre farm, known as Timo Fresh Fruit Farm, is home to a variety of crops including jack fruit, papaya, avocado, bananas, and other vegetables, showcasing a commitment to both environmental sustainability and economic development.
The farm’s founder, Tom Otim Otile, is a former accountant who returned to Uganda in 2016 after a life-changing visit to a farm in Tanzania. This experience ignited a passion for farming, particularly focusing on jack fruit, a crop known locally as “Fene.” Tom’s aim was to create a farm that would not only sustain his family financially but also serve as a model for innovation in agriculture.
Today, the farm spans three acres dedicated to jack fruit production. Utilizing cutting-edge farming techniques, including solar-powered irrigation systems with a capacity of 3,000 liters per hour and a unique land management system known as Oligo, the farm’s productivity has reached new heights. These methods not only optimize water usage but also keep intruders and pests at bay, ensuring the health of the crops.
One of the standout features of Fresh Fruit Farm is its use of drip irrigation systems that were adapted from hospitals. These drip lines, connected to 20-liter containers, regulate water flow according to the heat levels, ensuring consistent moisture even during the dry season. The farm also uses innovative methods to irrigate manure pits, further enhancing soil fertility.
“…the more reason we need Ugifts so farmers are innovating but the agricultural people are not helping…” Said Otim
However, the farm has faced challenges along the way. Initially, pests and diseases, such as fruit flies, posed a significant threat to the crops. But Tom’s commitment to innovation led to the introduction of a game-changing pest control method known as mulching, which has significantly reduced these threats. With this success, the farm has started seeing impressive results, and the jackfruit trees are now producing a lucrative harvest, with each fruit worth up to 10,000 Shillings.
What sets this farm apart is not only its commercial success but its commitment to the community. Fresh Fruit Farm is dedicated to giving back, especially to religious leaders in the region. Every harvest from these trees is offered to ordained members of the community, reinforcing a strong sense of connection and shared purpose.
Tom’s vision doesn’t stop with jack fruit farming. He plans to add value to his produce by processing the fruits into value-added products. Additionally, he aspires to introduce drying facilities for both the fruit and its outer cover, which can be turned into cattle feed. He is also looking to expand his reach to international markets, with plans to visit China to acquire technology for drying his produce.
While Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident, he also calls on the government to provide more support for farmers in the region. He hopes to see programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) refocused to support innovative agricultural initiatives like his, which have the potential to transform rural economies.
“….so the support I want if Government can allow through PDM number one is to bring Farmers to come and see and learn number two is to uh get refrigerated vehicle which will help us to access Market when these things are still fresh…” said Otim
The farm is also making a positive impact on the local community. It provides employment opportunities and access to water for households, further emphasizing the farm’s role in regional development. Through his work, Otim hopes to create a regional hub for excellence in fruit farming, attracting farmers from across Uganda to learn from his innovative techniques.
From accountant to agricultural pioneer, Tom’s journey exemplifies the power of combining traditional farming practices with modern technology to create sustainable solutions for Uganda’s future. His farm is a testament to the potential for growth and development when innovation, community, and sustainability come together.
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