Milton Onenchan, hailing from the tranquil Kasenyi village in Ngwedo subcounty, Buliisa district, found himself at the intersection of tradition and progress when the government earmarked his land for the construction of a crude oil pipeline. His patch of land had been home to his cherished cassava gardens for years, making him a recognized figure in the district’s agricultural scene. However, it was the guidance and insights provided by Living Earth Uganda that truly transformed his farming journey.
Onenchan, a seasoned cassava farmer, had long adhered to the conventional vertical planting method. Little did he know that a paradigm shift awaited him through the enlightening training sessions organized by Living Earth Uganda. Reflecting on this newfound knowledge, Onenchan candidly admits, “For the longest time, we were stuck with one way of cultivating cassava, mainly the vertical method. When Living Earth Uganda invited us for training, we realized the error of our ways. We witnessed firsthand the advantages of horizontal planting over the vertical method, and truth be told, I wish I had learned this much earlier.”
As a prominent large-scale cassava cultivator, Onenchan was selected as a key cassava supplier to Living Earth Uganda as part of a local content initiative. This program aimed to bolster local businesses while providing opportunities in the oil and gas sector to nationals. Onenchan proudly recalls, “When the district subject matter specialists visited my farm, they assessed my gardens and identified me as a suitable supplier of cassava cuttings.”
Under this arrangement, Onenchan supplied an impressive haul of over 470 bags of NAROCAS cassava to Living Earth Uganda. Furthermore, he benefited from maize seedlings, which exceeded his expectations in terms of yield. Remarkably, he harvested a bountiful 400 kilograms of grain from a mere 5 kilograms of seeds he had planted.
Onenchan’s commitment to modern farming practices extended to post-harvest handling. He embraced improved methods, such as drying cassava on elevated platforms, commonly known as dry racks. This forward-thinking approach ensured that his produce maintained its quality and value.
Milton Onenchan’s journey from a traditional cassava farmer to a progressive supplier exemplifies the positive impact of organizations like Living Earth Uganda in empowering local communities and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the potential for growth and prosperity that awaits those willing to embrace innovation in agriculture.