STORY: Chinese experts showcase new seed varieties, technology at Uganda agricultural exhibition
DATELINE: Aug. 10, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:20
LOCATION: JINJA, Uganda
CATEGORY: SOCIETY/ECONOMY
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of the 29th Agricultural Show in Jinja, Uganda
2. various of the Chinese experts at the agricultural show
3. various of the opening ceremony of the agricultural show
4. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JUBILEE AMOOTI, Local farmer
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Luganda): JOSEPH MUTALE, Local farmer
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): DICK NUWAMANYA, President of Uganda National Farmers Federation
 
STORYLINE:
 
Chinese agricultural experts in Uganda since Tuesday have been showcasing new seed varieties and technology at the country's ongoing annual agriculture exhibition in the city of Jinja, which has immensely impressed local farmers.
   
Visitors who thronged their stall shared with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) were keen on knowing the high-yielding rice seeds, foxtail millet, and several small agricultural gadgets.
 
SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JUBILEE AMOOTI, Local farmer   
"The new variety of rice, because it is different from ours, so, they gave me a sample (sorghum) to go and try and plant, so that maybe I can become more of growing. So, I want to also go and test after seeing maybe how it is yielding, I can plant on a bigger scale."
 
Joseph Mutale, a local farmer, said the Chinese have exhibited some machines which can be critical to farmers, especially during the planting season.
   
SOUNDBITE 2 (Luganda): JOSEPH MUTALE, Local farmer   
"This Chinese technology is very good. These men are experts. And they are good farmers, so if we can get such machines, we will be very well."
 
Dick Nuwamanya, the president of the Uganda National Farmers Federation, told Xinhua that Chinese agriculture experts are important in technology transfer, especially in rural areas.
   
SOUNDBITE 3 (English): DICK NUWAMANYA, President of Uganda National Farmers Federation
"There are several opportunities that farmers derive in these agricultural shows. In nine days, they gather all the information relating to new varieties released, new technologies released, and new machinery released, so, as a technology transfer platform, it is good for the farmers."
 
A team of Chinese experts is delivering their service in Uganda under tripartite cooperation with Uganda, China, and the FAO under the South-South cooperation framework. They are sharing experiences with local farmers on how to boost production and promote agricultural transformation.
 
The agricultural exhibition, organized by the Uganda National Farmers Federation in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, will conclude on Saturday. 
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Jinja, Uganda.
(XHTV)