MBALE – Dealers in the agricultural value chain have been tipped on embracing sustainable digital solutions to bolster the sector’s growth through innovations.
William Nge’no, Country Manager, Yara Kenya & Uganda says technology is fast becoming more common in the agricultural sector, adding that a digital farm is far more sustainable and efficient than a traditional one.
Nge’no was speaking during a meeting with agro-dealers held at Mbale Court View Hotel organized by Yara East Africa, one of the leading crop nutrition companies and providers of sustainable and agricultural digital solutions.
Nge’no said the meeting sought to celebrate digital connectivity to the last mile through Yara Connect with its distributors and retailers in the eastern part of Uganda.
“We celebrate with our partners and clients who have entrusted us over the years, and we remain confident in the transformative impact we can achieve collaboratively within Uganda’s agricultural sector,” Nge’no stated.
He added: “At Yara, our social impact initiatives position us as a catalyst for digital inclusion and empowerment in farming. Our aim is to facilitate economic opportunities for women and youth in agriculture, accelerate growth for Micro, Small, and Medium businesses within our communities, and continue contributing to food security.”
He emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering stakeholders across the agricultural ecosystem with innovative agricultural solutions. Through Yara’s connected platforms, farmers gain access to cutting-edge information, high-quality inputs, customized services, and sustainable markets. This empowerment drives higher yields, better quality produce, and efficient use of resources and knowledge systems.
The company’s focus on sustainable agriculture and digital solutions reaffirms its dedication to creating a resilient and prosperous agricultural future for Eastern Uganda and beyond, added.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), technological change has been the key driving force behind increasing agricultural productivity and fostering agriculture development in all OECD countries. Agriculture is becoming more integrated into the agri-food chain and the global market, with growing impacts from environmental, food safety, quality, and animal welfare regulations. This is in line with Yara’s Global ambition to grow a nature-positive food future, the agri sector is now confronted with new challenges, including meeting the rising demands for food, international competitiveness, and producing high-quality agricultural products. Through Yara’s research and development, fertilizers such as MiCROP have been designed to suit specific crop and soil needs, as well as training stakeholders across the distribution channel on the correct application and handling of the products.
During the event, participants were introduced to smart farming practices and digital tools designed to optimize productivity, sustainability, and profitability. Yara East Africa reinforced its mission to create a food future that is in harmony with nature, adding value to customers, shareholders, and society while fostering a more sustainable food value chain.
The event drew participation from over 100 attendees, with distinguished retailers recognized for their invaluable contributions to the industry, walking away with prizes including motorbikes, phones, and other exciting goodies.
Sarah Nafuna Proprietor, Home of Farmers, one of the distributors and winners of the goodies, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Yara, for fulfilling your promises. When I heard about the initiative on the platform, I had my doubts, but I’m elated to be among the winners. You’ve eased our transportation as we deliver products to rural farmers. We also appreciate the knowledge sharing, enabling us to guide farmers in utilizing your products effectively.”
