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dfcu Bank in partnership with Vision Group, The Embassy of the Netherlands, KLM Airlines, and Koudjis Nutrition BV flagged off the winners of the 2023 Best Farmers Competition at the dfcu Bank Head Office on Thursday last week to a learning excursion in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The cohort of winners will be embarking on a transformative study tour to the Netherlands for an extensive week-long training. Over the past 10 years, over 100 farmers have been celebrated for their innovation and contributions to the country’s agricultural landscape.
The tour is a significant milestone in Uganda’s agricultural sector as the country’s best farmers gain exposure to world-class sustainable farming practices and innovations from one of the most agriculturally advanced nations in the world.
“As we flag off the winners of the 2023 Best Farmers Competition, we are reminded of the crucial role agriculture plays in Uganda’s economy and the livelihoods it supports. This study tour to the Netherlands is an important milestone, and I have no doubt that our farmers will return with new ideas and practices that will not only transform their individual businesses but will also contribute to the broader growth of agriculture in Uganda,” Charles Mudiwa, the CEO of dfcu Bank said while flagging off the winners at dfcu Bank’s head offices in Nakasero.
The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament and, Member of Parliament for Ruhinda North County, Mitooma, Honorable Thomas Tayebwa was the Chief Guest at the event, which was attended by dfcu’s representatives from the various partners in the annual competition including, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, New Vision, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Koudijs Animal Nutrition.
Addressing guests at the event, the Chief Guest, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament commended the 13 winners for their tremendous efforts and successes in their different areas of agricultural practice. He noted the importance of further empowering the Best Farmers through engagements with the Agricultural Committee of Parliament to get their valuable insight required to prioritise the sector.
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“We need to work with the bank to map out the ways through which we can support the Best Farmers to benefit from the Best Farmers Competition, beyond the study tour in the Netherlands,” Hon. Tayebwa commented.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, contributing over 70% of national employment and serving as a vital driver for rural development. Recognizing the critical role of agriculture, dfcu Bank has committed to empowering farmers across the country through financial solutions, training, and innovative initiatives.
Through the Agribusiness Development Center (ADC), dfcu Bank has so far trained more than 800 enterprises and linked over 3,000 smallholder farmers to financiers with $17.2 Million worth of credit linkages. The bank’s involvement in the Best Farmers Competition underscores its commitment to nurturing the potential within Uganda’s farming community.
Charles Mudiwa, CEO at dfcu Bank expressed gratitude to the partners and sponsors of the initiative for their unwavering support and commended the judges for their integral role in assessing and determining the winners, emphasizing the competition’s integrity and independence.
In his closing remarks, Mudiwa reiterated that “dfcu Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector through innovation, education, and collaboration. To our 2023 winners, you carry the hopes of many Ugandan farmers who look to you for leadership. The insights and skills you will gain will not only improve your own operations but will also benefit the broader agricultural community upon your return.”