E-Malt.com News article: Uganda: Nile Breweries empowers farmers

Nile Breweries has launched an agro-forestry project for farmers who grow the epuripur sorghum used in the brewing of Eagle Lager and Eagle Extra beer brands, according to New Vision, September 13. The low-priced beer brands are popular with the rural consumers.

The company has distributed 6,000 tree seedlings bred by the National Forestry Authority to farmers in 16 epuripur sorghum growing districts in eastern, northern and mid-western regions.

"Through the tree project, we aim at ensuring that sorghum farmers are able to promote water and soil retention on their farms by preventing erosion.

"Sorghum is a shallow root crop which loosens the top soil," Onapito Ekomoloit, the corporate affairs manager, explained.

He added that the company was empowering sorghum farmers to invest in timber products from the varieties of tree seedlings supplied to them.

The tree species include pine, muvule and mahogany.

"The tree project is part of Nile Breweries' wider programme to ensure sustainable development through environmentally-friendly production," Ekomoloit said.


14 September, 2007