Business Innovation for Resilient and Efficient Farming - DGL
Abstract
This publication discusses the challenges Diner's Group Limited (DGL) faced in expanding its multi-stage rice milling operations in Uganda. Despite the growing domestic demand for rice, discerning consumer preferences often favor higher-quality imported rice over locally grown varieties. DGL aims to address this by increasing the use of multi-stage mills to improve the quality of rice produced in Uganda, benefiting farmers and consumers. The reliance on single-stage mills, limited access to clean seed, poor water management, cultivation practices, and low fertilizer use contribute to low yields and poor quality rice in Uganda. Although convenient and offering credit options, village-based single-stage mills often produce lower volumes of inferior-quality rice. Breaking the debt cycle and encouraging farmers to switch to multi-stage mills require innovative approaches. DGL is implementing several strategies to build a more substantial farmer base and enhance the milling process. Collaborating with REACH-Uganda, DGL aims to connect with farmers through field extension workers who advocate for multi-stage milling and support cultivation practices. To overcome transportation costs, a truck has been acquired to facilitate paddy collection, reducing farmers' expenses. Moreover, DGL will assist farmer groups in accessing credit from the Microfinance Support Centre, offering recommendations and ongoing support. To promote the Diner's Rice brand and increase consumer confidence, DGL plans to redesign packaging to reflect the high quality of multi-stage milled rice. By improving farmer engagement, transportation logistics, access to credit, and consumer awareness, DGL and its partners aim to increase high-quality rice production in Uganda, benefiting farmers and meeting the rising demand for locally produced rice.
Description
Keywords
Rice, Farmers, Innovation