By Edward Byamukama
The government is set to launch the four-acre model campaign in Bunyoro Sub region in a bid to create wealth and jobs to foster growth in household income and, promote industrialization as a key driver of growth in the economy.
This was revealed Thursday by the State Minister for Works Fred Byamukama while addressing Residents City/District Commissioners from Bunyoro Sub Region at Hoima Resort Hotel.
The four-acre approach or model aspires to have a farmer earning up to one hundred million shillings from a four-acre piece of land.
According to President Museveni’s calculation, the farmer should have a coffee plantation on one acre, fruits (citrus and mangoes, pineapples, pasture) on the second acre, pastures for feeding the livestock on the 3rd acre, and 4th acre for the food crop growing.
This model is part of the initiatives being promoted under the Parish Development Model which should be running for the third year since it was launched.
The Minister advises that, PDM and Emyooga money can be used to start a two and three acre model adding that farmers should learn to utilize small pieces of land they have for agricultural productivity.
Minister Byamukama says the four-acre model will help farmers transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture where communities will unlock economic prosperity and sustainable livelihoods.
Minister Byamukama says President Museveni is set to launch the four-acre model on November 15, this year starting from greater Kibaale and later Kikuube districts.
He has called upon extension workers to double their efforts and ensure this project is a success.
Lilian Ruteeraho, the Kagadi Resident District Commissioner has asked the extension workers to have zeal in promoting government programs adding that as commissioners have a big role to do as far as implementing government programs is concerned and train other people/farmers on the use of a 4 acre model.
Meanwhile, Amlan Tumusiime the Kikuube RDC says they want to ensure all government program implementers go deep in the field than sitting in offices .
He is hopeful that the 4 acre model to be launched will help uplift the income levels in households.
Under the initiative, farmers are required to utilize four acres of land for agro-forestry, livestock, fishery, and crop production.
