The Lake Basin Development Authority has commissioned its rice mill enterprise to enhance sustainability and boost local agriculture.
The authority aims to mill and sell at least 80 tonnes of paddy by June. It has set its sights on a more ambitious target for the coming years.
LBDA managing director Wycliffe Ochiaga said they target to produce at least 17,000 tonnes between 2024 and 2025.
"We partly achieved our initial goals of milling and selling 80 tonnes of paddy. Government support will help us fully operationalise the enterprise. We target to produce at least 17,000 tonnes between 2024 and 2025,” he said.
Ochiaga emphasised the importance of the project for the local economy and food security.
In the released LBDA 2023–24 performance scorecard, the MD said this is one programme addressing the core mandate of the Authority and the BETA agenda.
Besides its achievements in the rice milling sector, Ochiaga said LBDA has also seen a significant improvement in its customer satisfaction index, which rose from 64 per cent in June 2023 to 77 per cent in June 2024.
The customer satisfaction index for the LBDA witnessed a significant improvement, rising from 64 per cent in June 2023 to 77 per cent in June 2024.
He said this reflects their unwavering commitment to enhancing the customer experience, delivering value-added services, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders within the Lake Victoria catchment area.
"Focused efforts in the rice value chain have yielded substantial results in quality, productivity, and market access,” he said.
He said they have made a tangible impact on the livelihoods of communities by supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
"The positive outcomes of our interventions have resonated with our customers, increasing satisfaction and trust in our services."
Deliberate initiatives to enhance the apiculture and aquaculture value chains have been well-received by customers and stakeholders.
"Through capacity building, technology adoption, and market linkages, we have empowered local beekeepers and fish farmers to improve their production, income, and overall sustainability," he said.
“The positive feedback from customers in these sectors has contributed to the upliftment of our customer satisfaction index,” he added
