Distribution of 105 Ox Ploughs and 3 Grinding Mills to Boost Agricultural Productivity in Apac District

Apac District, Uganda — [29/4/2025]
In a significant step toward improving agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in collaboration with the Apac District Local Government has successfully distributed 105 ox ploughs and 3 grinding mills to selected beneficiaries across the district.

The initiative aims to mechanize smallholder farming, reduce labor intensity, and enhance food security in the region. The beneficiaries were carefully selected through a transparent and inclusive process, ensuring that the support reaches the most deserving and committed farmers and community groups.

The handover ceremony, presided over by Joan Apio, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, and attended by local leaders, agricultural officers, and beneficiaries, emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing farming and reducing post-harvest losses.

Apio emphasized the government's commitment to empowering rural farmers through sustainable agricultural interventions.

“These ox ploughs will enable our farmers to cultivate larger areas more efficiently, while the grinding mills will reduce the burden of processing grains, especially for women and youth,” said Apio.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Hon. Ikomba Asanti Odongo, the District Chairperson, emphasized the importance of agricultural mechanization in transforming the lives of rural farmers. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to transform Apac into a food-secure and economically empowered district. By providing farmers with the right tools, we are reducing poverty and creating jobs.

“This support is not just equipment—it is a catalyst for change. With these ox ploughs and grinding mills, our farmers can increase their productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and ultimately uplift their families and communities,” said Asanti.

The distribution is part of a broader rural development program aimed at empowering farming communities and promoting value addition in agriculture. The three grinding mills will be installed in strategic locations to serve multiple villages, reducing the time and cost spent on grain processing.

District Production Officer, Betty C. Okori reiterated the importance of proper training and maintenance to ensure sustainability of the equipment and encouraged beneficiaries to use the tools effectively to maximize their benefits.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Okello Alex (Twon Kalalang), a farmer from Ibuje Sub-County, expressed gratitude:

"For years, we struggled with hand hoes. These ox ploughs will help us cultivate more land and increase our yields."

The district authorities urged beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and pledged continuous support through training and monitoring to ensure proper equipment usage to ensure long-term benefits.

For more information, please contact:
Bongonyinge Felix
Communication Officer
+256789502642/754562862
felix.bongonyinge@apac.go.ug

Notes to Editors:

·       The distribution aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Parish Development Model (PDM) for rural transformation.

·       Apac District continues to prioritize agriculture, which employs over 80% of its population.