At a time when many farmers in central Uganda are battling post-harvest losses, unstable markets, and low returns, the Masaka Diocese is rolling out a modern grain processing and storage facility aimed at transforming how agricultural produce is handled, and how farmers earn from it.
The Diocese is installing an integrated system capable of cleaning, drying, handling, storing, milling, and mixing crops after harvest, marking a significant shift toward value addition and quality assurance for local growers.
For years, farmers in the Masaka sub-region have struggled with poor post-harvest handling, especially during rainy seasons when drying grains becomes difficult.
According to Benson Kamukama, a marketing expert and trainer from RIELA AFRICA overseeing the installation, improper drying and storage expose produce to contamination from dust, stones, and waste.
Such conditions also invite rodents and insects while encouraging the growth of aflatoxins, dangerous toxins that threaten consumer health and lower crop quality.
As a result, staples such as maize, beans, millet, coffee, sunflower, and soya often fail to meet regional market standards, costing farmers valuable income.
The new facility is designed to directly confront these challenges by introducing industrial-grade handling at the community level.
The drying system can process up to one metric ton of grain per hour, significantly reducing spoilage risks.
Two large galvanized steel silos, engineered with durable German materials, provide a combined storage capacity of 50 tons.
Built for continuous operation with minimal maintenance, the system can run year-round, ensuring farmers have consistent access to safe storage and processing.
Kamukama compares the silos to a secure bank vault for seeds, protecting farmers’ investment while preserving quality for better market returns.
The facility will serve both the Diocese and independent farmers, with operational guidelines being developed to ensure fair access.
Through organized drying, cleaning, milling, mixing, and storage services, farmers will be able to maintain product standards that attract better buyers.
Improved grain quality not only increases bargaining power but also opens doors to regional markets that previously rejected poorly handled produce.
Bishop Serverus Jjumba of Masaka Diocese views the project as a practical intervention against rural poverty.
He notes that despite farmers’ hard work, low earnings often stem from lack of value addition and poor post-harvest systems.
In his view, the facility offers a long-term remedy by strengthening both food security and household incomes.
He also stresses the importance of technical education, urging parents to encourage their children to acquire vocational skills needed to operate and maintain modern agricultural equipment.
Beyond boosting farm productivity, the initiative reflects a broader vision of holistic community development. By combining economic empowerment with social responsibility, the Diocese is positioning itself as a catalyst for sustainable agriculture.
Experts say investments in proper grain storage can extend shelf life, reduce health risks, stabilize supply, and enable collective marketing; all key factors in building resilient rural economies.
For Masaka’s farmers, the project represents a future where harvests retain their value, livelihoods improve, and agriculture becomes a pathway to lasting prosperity.
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