NOGAMU (National Organic Agriculture Movement Uganda), launched the International Green Action Week Uganda at the Victoria Mall in Entebbe on Saturday 24th October.
NOGAMU is an umbrella organization which unites producers, processors, exporters, NGOs and other institutions and organizations that are involved in the promotion and development of the organic sector in Uganda.
Organic farming is a method of crop and livestock production that involves much more than choosing not to use pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics and growth hormones.
According to NOGAMU, Uganda has about two million organic farmers whose farming practices have been inspected and proven to be organic. According to the NOGAMU board chairman, the country only has 20,000 internationally certified organic farmers who are allowed to use the standard mark for organic produce in Uganda.
Frederick Musisi, the chairman NOGAMU said there’s a lot of potential market of about $80 billion globally because of the demand for organic produce. Last year, he said, Uganda exported organic produce worth 46 million US dollars and the orders for organic produce this year reach 400 million US dollars.
Unfortunately Ugandan farmers have failed to produce enough organic produce to fulfill these orders and there has been a lot of sensitization to encourage farmers to embrace organic farming.
The way forward
NOGAMU has partnered with several universities to carry out research to improve and make organic farming more efficient.
Mr. Kabuye says that the Uganda Martyrs University has contributed the most to aiding and supporting research on organic universities but he also acknowledges the support from other universities like Makerere University.
When we asked whether he believes the research and support for organic farming was sufficient?
He said that the research is sufficient for the time being and it is enough but maybe in the future there might be a need for more input from universities.
There have been sensitization of farmers and students across the country on how to embrace organic farming methods. Mr. Kabuye stated that most people think growing crops naturally or traditionally makes the food organic. He added that organic farming is a highly knowledgeable process and there is need for serious training and education which the organization does.
One should eat organic food because organic food is known to be very healthy and nutritious as the produce maintains its natural state because no chemicals are added.
Organic food has also been said to aide and prevent one from acquiring illnesses that are introduced by bad diet.
As a campuser…..
Basing on the prices at the stand and those of local markets, organic food is more expensive than none organic food. But like Ken says why spend less now and spend much more on treatment in the near future.
So we reached out to Chef Wafula of Kitchen Delight on how to have an organic Rolex. “Since a Rolex is a finished meal one has to consider the components of the meal.” For example the eggs, tomatoes and dough used have to be organic. Even the cooking oil used should be organic. “
This means that the dream of enjoying organic food can actually be turned into a reality. But it’s going to take a lot of effort.
To join the culture of eating organic food, you can always visit an organic market that has the NOGAMU branding or visit their offices on Plot 957 Galukande Close Off Tank Hill Road in Muyenga to purchase organic food.
The open market was aimed at promoting organic farming in Uganda. There was a showcase of some of the produce from organic farmers.
The organic farmers’ open market has organic products such as dried pineapples, dried jackfruit, chia seeds, tomatoes, Tonto (local brew), ginger and many more products.
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