Branston Ltd, a UK potato supplier, has pledged a £10,000 donation to support Irish Potato production and enhance food security and income for farmers in the Alito community near an agricultural college in Uganda. The donation aims to empower local farmers by providing them with farming skills to cultivate the crop independently.
As part of this initiative, students at the college will witness the growth of the initial crop and receive 5kg of a new potato seed variety upon graduation in summer. Additionally, Branston will assist Alito by constructing 2,000 cubic meter water lagoons for irrigation and conducting trials on a designated site to educate students on fertilizer usage, new potato varieties, and planting techniques.
Ian Anorld, Branston’s Interim Project Manager, highlighted the involvement of over 100 students and staff members from the college in this project. The initiative not only aims to introduce new potato varieties suitable for the Ugandan climate but also focuses on empowering women, particularly those with children, by providing training opportunities.
Anorld expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing Branston’s commitment to supporting and educating the local community in collaboration with Alito. The company plans to continue its engagement over the next three years, with additional visits to Uganda to offer ongoing support and education.
