Pure Grow Africa Ltd In Partnership With McDermott Build Capacity With Buliisa Farmers

The Buliisa Farmers Capacity Building Project, initiated by Pure Grow Africa Limited with significant support from McDermott, celebrates the graduation of 1500 farmers today.

These farmers underwent transformational training that encompassed areas such as land and seedling preparation, crop production and care, post-harvest processes, value addition, financial literacy, and enterprise development.

Highlighting the project’s emphasis on inclusivity, a majority of the beneficiaries were women and youth. Despite challenges like limited access to irrigation water and equipment, primarily due to Buliisa’s harsh climatic conditions, the program has pioneered a shift in agricultural practices.

Dr. Peter Teko Lokeris Minister of State for Mineral Development officiated a graduation of 1500 farmers in Buliisa district who learned skills in post harvest processes, enterprise development and financial literacy organized by Pure Grow Africa.

Moving away from traditional cassava and maize production, farmers have embraced a diverse range of horticultural alternatives. This transition is not only market-relevant but also instigates an inclusive agricultural evolution, opening a world of possibilities for the community.

This endeavour underscores the vital link between agriculture and the oil and gas sector. Infrastructure advancements led by the oil and gas industry have inadvertently boosted agricultural supply chains. Meanwhile, the energy sector benefits from a proximate and sustainable source of fresh produce, optimizing operational costs and minimizing environmental impacts.

Pure Grow Africa Ltd, an integral player in the East African agribusiness sector, has made waves by sourcing a myriad of produce from an expansive network of farmers. Their commitment to strengthening farming communities through capacity-building programs and value chain enhancement is commendable.

This integrated approach not only positions Pure Grow Africa Ltd at the forefront of agricultural practices and food safety but also bridges the gap between local farming initiatives and vast market opportunities.
McDermott, a global frontrunner in engineering and construction for the energy sector, showcases its dedication to community growth in Uganda.

Associated as a tier-one contractor for the Tilenga Project by Total Energies, McDermott’s support for the Buliisa Farmers Capacity Building Project reinforces their commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth.

This initiative strengthens the agricultural foundation of the region and mirrors McDermott’s mission of nurturing prosperous collaborations with local communities.

Counterfeit Agrochemical Products Intercepted By Uganda Police

Bukoola Chemical Industries Ltd, a leading agrochemical supplier in Uganda partnered with the Anti-Counterfeit Network Africa organization to launch an anti-counterfeit agrochemical products campaign.

Dubbed “Protect Life Twefeeko” aimed at creating awareness about the existence of counterfeit agrochemical inputs on the market, how to detect and avoid these harmful products.

The Culprits being escorted by Uganda Police Uganda

The campaign offered a 90 days amnesty period to the agrochemical input counterfeit perpetrators to stop the production and distributions of the fake commodities, and to surrender else face the criminal implications for counterfeiting.

These if surrendered would be pardoned and be given an opportunity for support to trade in the genuine Bukoola agrochemical commodities in order to restore their trade in genuine Bukoola products as well as the trust of the consumer/ farmer.

In his comments, Fred Muwema, ANC, Legal and Corporate Affairs said, CAN, Bukoola Chemical Industries LTD, together with the police, conducted the raid operation to arrest and impound counterfeit products.

Some of the Counterfeit products retrieved by Uganda Police

We have got 4 culprits and these people are going to be charged with various offences of counterfeiting trademarks and those offences carry a punishment of 3 years”

“We want this to be an example to others that you don’t need to duplicate products, you can actually sell genuine a product, Bukoola Chemical Industries Ltd has got a distribution network, if you want to participate you can apply and get a license from the Ministry of Agriculture” He added.

The anti-counterfeit campaign was started following complaints from the farmers who had used counterfeit agrochemical products and had suffered significant damage i.e. loss of entire seasons, which directly impacted on the reduction of their incomes as well as suffering with health and safety issues.

While addressing the media, Mr Twine, CID- Uganda Police Force Spokesperson, Twine, said, “Today we did an operation in 3 places, At Kagadi Enterprises, Gonda Farm Suppliers and Mercy Uganda Agro-inputs in container Village and an assortment of products that are counterfeit were retrieved by our Police and exhibited accordingly, and during the operation, we have been able to arrest some few people”

“Some of the products that have been retrieved are weed master, Striker, Anti Killer as well as indo-seed. These Products are being sold by Bukoola Chemical outlets. But because of their importance, these bad guys have counterfeited them” he added

ACN Corporate and Legal Affairs Director, Fred Mwema(left) and Atwine

In order to effectively detect counterfeit products, one needs to familiarize self with the key visible brand differentiator element or attributes in order to become fully aware of what, How the genuine product looks like.

These visible product features include consistency in; Content colour, accurate label features such as trademark/ logo design and colours, correct addresses, spelling mistakes, no missing tamper-proof seals and standard bottle shapes etc.