By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
KIGEZI
The Bishop of Kigezi diocese the Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna has revealed how the the diocese is ready to have demonstration gardens for Hass Avocado and Macadamia trees in 2023 to have a self-sustainable diocese.
Bishop Akanjuna made this revelation yesterday during the bishops annual fellowship that is annually held on every 26th December with diocese of Kigezi Christians at his residence at Rugarama hill, northern division in Kabale Municipality. During this fellowship,a total of 36,950,000 Million shillings and 885 bags of cement were contributed both in cash and pledges to spearhead developments in the diocese.
Bishop Akanjuna said that Hass avocados mature after with 2 years and a single mature tree can produce more than 3000 fruits under good agronomic farming practices citing that an Acre requires 166 trees at maximum, on planting spacing of 6x4m of which production estimate is over 450,000 fruits. One Kilogram of Hass avocado is currently at 7200 Shillings.
Bishop Akanjuna added that the Macadamia tree grows in the range of 3-5 years and it yields 60 kilograms in the first season with each kilogram sold at Four thousand shillings.
Bishop Akanjuna said the diocese has already identified the piece of land at every parish citing that they are waiting for soil specialists to do soil sampling to test the fertility of the soil for the diocese to commence the planting of Hass Avocado and Macadamia trees.
Speaking at the same function, the state minister for trade, industry and cooperatives, Hon David Bahati told christians that they have already mobilized 200 million shillings to start the project in the whole diocese. Bahati cited that he expects planting to start next year in March according to the season
