Korean Technological Farmers and Educationists pay a Courtesy Call to the Deputy Vice Chancellor
On the 9th of August 2019, Professor Robert Tweyongyere the Dean for School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources Makerere University led a Delegation of 6 Korean Technological Farmers and Educationists to pay a Courtesy Call to the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Change of Finance and Administration Professor William Bazeyo at his office at the University Main Building.
The meeting was aimed to benchmark on a Public-Private Smart Farming initiative “The Korea Uganda Diary Project” that seeks to share knowledge and skills to young professionals in the veterinary, animal and Diary fields at Makerere University on how to raise genetically improved and disease resistant breeds of cattle to improve diary production in the country.
According to professor Sung Jong Oh a Principal Research Scientist in chemical Engineering at the Korea University of Science and Technology and the Korea Uganda Diary Project Manager, the project envisions Creation of a Professional, Smart (ability to use technology in Farming) and commercial Farmer by building capacity with systems in farm Technology, Artificial Insemination and Genetics.
Professor Tweyongyere said that this project will as well bring aboard Information Technology and software experts from the University`s College of Computing and Information Sciences (COCIS) to make sure that these “Smart Farming” skills and technologies are even made better by these brilliant young professionals with time. He added that this partnership is a great milestone to the University and the country generally, called upon government`s support to such innovate pieces of work.
In a meeting earlier on at the College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), the Principal Professor John David Kabasa said that Uganda`s farming industry has for long been challenged by its ancientness and this project is a way to make it modern and contemporary. “Smart farming is good Music to young people, Capturing Data and evidence to closely truck farming is really attractive and trendy something our youths like”, he added.
This partnership has seen a number of biotechnological Korean companies aboard including the Korea Vet Clinic, L & H Genetics, Pearl Farm and the multinational Electronics and mobile devices giant LG to feature in the innovative technology and sleek designs to suit the project.
The DVC assured the delegation the university`s support to the project. He said that preparations of looking for a contractor to establish a Mega Demonstration farm at Nakyesasa are underway. He applauded and thanked the Korean science community for always looking out to Uganda and particularly Makerere University. Professor sung said that they always enjoy working with Makerere due to its love and efforts in impactful Research. He pledged to always support Makerere students with bias of veterinary and technology through further education at the Korean University of Science and Technology.
