COCOA FARMING IN LANGO: CLAN CHIEF TO REAP BIG FROM COCOA

FRED OGWAL OYEE EMBARKS ON COCOA
A section of farmers who begun growing cocoa in northern Uganda have began to get good harvest from the rear crop initially regarded as a west African cash crop only.
Fred Ogwal a farmer UN employee, now a clan chief is harvesting dialing from his six-acre plantation in Dokolo district. UBC visited his farm and now brings us the story.
Ambience
In Regorego, Dokolo district in the northern part of the country lies a 10-acre mixed farm. This farm belongs to Fred Ogwal oyee a retiree of UN and currently heading one of the most blessed clan in Lango called Inomo clan. Ogwal retired to become a full-time farmer.
Byte… Fred Ogwal Oyee, Cocoa Farmer
Two and half years ago Fred dedicated more than half of his land to grow cocoa one of the most rear crops in lango originally regarded as a west Africa crop. He has two varieties, one with purple pods and a green pod. When its ready for harvesting it turns yellow.
Byte… Fred Ogwal Oyee, Cocoa Farmer
Cocoa is a small evergreen tree grown majorly on loam soil. To grow Cocoa a pit measuring 2ft deep and wide at spacing of three meters is recommended.
Byte…Mike Drazole, specialist in Cocoa Farming
Fred is currently collecting his first harvest since it was planted two and half years ago. From planting he has invest so far eight million shillings on the six-acre plantation. With good management Fred expects to earn 100m from this farm annually. His major challenge is technical support especially on disease management and post-harvest handling.
Byte… Fred Ogwal Oyee, Cocoa Farmer
Mike Drazole, a specialist in cocoa farming says cocoa is one of the best crops farmers can invest to eradicate poverty. Mike advises farmers to chose quality seedlings and adhere to recommended standards while planting.
Byte…Mike Drazole, specialist in Cocoa Farming
Fred is among the farmers in Lango and Acholi who have planted over a hundred acres of cocoa. Paul Okullo who mobilized seedlings for these farmers say majory of cocoa farms are doing very. Okullo says extension workers are being trained to provide technical services.
Byte… Paul Peter Okullo, ED Adagani Ltd
Cocoa is a perennial crop that begins fruiting at two and half years. It is harvested twice a year earning about 13m per acre annually.
FILED ON 14TH & RUN 18TH NOV, 2023