In a bid to bolster economic prospects and provide sustainable livelihoods, officials in Kole District are urging farmers to venture into cocoa cultivation. Currently, approximately 145 farmers in the Lango region have embraced this initiative, marking a significant step towards expanding agricultural practices in the area.
Last week, during a recent field trip to Trinity Mixed Farm in Rego-rego trading center in Dokolo district, Andrew Awany, the LCV Chairperson, emphasized the importance of local leadership in driving agricultural transformation. He highlighted that the district would provide seeds to councilors, whose primary task would be to prepare their land for cocoa cultivation. Awany stressed that the active involvement of leaders sets a positive example for the community, encouraging widespread participation in such initiatives.
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Each councilor is expected to allocate no less than 3 acres of land for cocoa farming, thereby contributing to the expansion of cocoa cultivation in the region. Esther Ogwal Ogwang, a councilor representing Aboke sub-county and Town council, expressed eagerness for the initiative, foreseeing its potential to improve the financial well-being of farmers compared to traditional crops.
Denis Odoc, the Speaker of Kole District Local Government, underscored the benefits of incorporating trees into cocoa farming, citing their role in providing shade and enhancing the ecosystem. As a commercial farmer and produce dealer himself, Odoc emphasized the profitability and sustainability of cocoa cultivation.
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Solomon Adim, the farm manager at Trinity Mixed Farm, outlined their vision to establish cocoa as a signature crop for Lango sub-region, Northern, and Eastern Uganda. He highlighted cocoa’s dual peak seasons as an opportunity for farmers to achieve significant returns on their investment.
Fred Ogwal, the clan chief of Inomo clan and owner of Trinity Mixed Farm, urged councilors to diversify their livelihood sources emphasizing the importance of cocoa cultivation not only for its economic benefits but also for environmental conservation.
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He noted that while cocoa trees can live up to a century, they typically yield marketable cocoa beans for around 25 years, making it a sustainable long-term investment for farmers.
The push for cocoa farming in Kole District signifies a strategic shift towards sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment.
