Apollo Ddembe, a visionary farmer from the village of Kizigo-Maggwa in Najjemba Division, Buikwe, has become a true icon of commercial agriculture. What began as a humble 3-acre farm has blossomed into a sprawling 8-acre agricultural enterprise under his skilled stewardship. Equipped with valuable training in enterprise selection, Apollo strategically focused on cultivating bananas, maize, beans, cassava, and vegetables.
Every season, Apollo allocates a substantial portion of his land to maize and bean production, which have emerged as the backbone of his agricultural success. With unwavering dedication and careful farming practices, he consistently harvests over 12 tonnes of high-quality maize and 4 tonnes of beans per season. This impressive yield translates into gross seasonal incomes of over UGX 20 million, earning Apollo the well-deserved reputation as one of the most successful farmers in the whole of Buikwe district.
Apollo Ddembe’s farmland for maize and bean production
However, Apollo’s achievements go beyond impressive harvests. His refusal to embrace commercial sugarcane cultivation stands as a testimony to his leadership and vision. Recognizing the challenges and losses incurred by smallholder farmers in sugarcane production, he made a bold move to cut down 4 acres of sugarcane and replace them with beans and maize. This decision not only improved his own farm’s productivity but also sparked a wave of change in the community.
Apollo has taken it upon himself to educate and advocate for alternative, diversified farming practices. Through various media channels, he tirelessly encourages his fellow farmers to integrate sugarcane cultivation with other profitable enterprises. His efforts have transformed the lives of many families in Buikwe and neighboring districts, ensuring food security and providing sustained incomes for countless households.
Left: Apollo showcasing his banana plantations Right: During the set-up of an irrigation system
Moreover, Apollo’s commitment to innovation and sustainable farming practices is evident in his recent acquisition of an irrigation system. This valuable asset is envisaged to enhance production during periods of water scarcity, further boosting his farm’s productivity and resilience. Apollo Ddembe’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to farmers and communities alike. His unwavering determination, strategic enterprise selection, and refusal to succumb to conventional norms of commercial sugarcane production have propelled him to great heights of success.
Download Issue No.3 of the Model Farmer in Sustainable Organic Agriculture, 2024.
Good work