By James Alomu

Soroti Fruit Factory, managed by Chimaki Agro Limited, has taken a significant step toward promoting sustainable agriculture and poverty reduction in the Teso sub-region by training 200 farmers in organic orange production. The training was held on Tuesday at the model farmer’s plot in Odokomit, Soroti District, under the Kopia Citrus Post Model Village Project.

The hands-on training brought together farmers from across the Teso sub-region, alongside key stakeholders from local government, academia, and international partners. District Agricultural Officers from the Teso region, lecturers from Busitema University, and a citrus production consultant from Ethiopia jointly facilitated the sessions.

The training focused on the use of organic fertilizers in orange cultivation, with emphasis on improving soil health, enhancing productivity, and reducing dependence on chemical inputs. Through practical field demonstrations, farmers learned cost-effective techniques for applying organic fertilizers to increase yields while maintaining environmental sustainability.

“Organic methods not only reduce production costs but also result in healthier fruits that attract premium prices, especially in structured markets such as Soroti Fruit Factory,” one of the trainers from Busitema University explained during the demonstrations.

Participants also toured the model village’s citrus orchards, where innovative organic practices have already delivered promising results, including improved resilience to pests and climate variability. The model plots served as a practical learning ground, showcasing how sustainable methods can translate into higher productivity and long-term farm viability.

The initiative aligns with Chimaki Agro Limited’s broader mission of transforming agriculture in the Teso sub-region by integrating smallholder farmers into reliable value chains for processing and export.

ICUDEF, a regional development partner, was represented by its Director of Planning and Strategic Partnerships, Mr. Ochoggia Abdallah. In his address, he encouraged farmers to view orange farming as a strategic pathway out of poverty.

“Adopt the Clan Development Model unite your clans, pool resources, and scale up production. This is how we eradicate poverty in Teso, one orchard at a time,” Abdallah said, emphasizing collective action anchored in cultural cohesion.

The training marks a milestone in Soroti Fruit Factory’s farmer engagement and capacity-building efforts. With the next planting season approaching, the initiative is expected to boost orange production in the region, ensuring a steady supply for local processing and export markets.

As farmers across Teso embrace sustainable citrus farming, stakeholders remain optimistic that such initiatives will contribute to a greener, more resilient, and economically prosperous future for the Ateker region.