Okidi and Odora (left) talking to the district leaders

By Ibrahim Kasita

ORGANIC cotton farmers in Pader and Kitgum are crying foul over organic pesticides distributed by Dunavant, saying the pesticides are not effective.

“I abandoned synthetic pesticides distributed by the Cotton Development Organisation (CDO) for those given by Dunavant free of charge.”

“However, the pests have multiplied and continue to destroy my garden even after using the pesticides three times,” Raymond Okidi, a farmer from Patongo sub-county in Pader, said.

The organic pesticides are oxymatrine and nimbicidine. Dunavant is an organic cotton promoter operating in the north.

Francis Anywar, a councillor representing Lukole sub-county, said: “We sprayed bollworms with these pesticides, but 12 hours later, the pests were still alive.

“If the pesticides cannot kill pests on a sunny day, what will happen when it rains?”

The New Vision recently reported that deadly bollworms and lygus had attacked the organic cotton research farm in Lira.

Peter Obal, the Kitgum district agricultural officer, said the pesticides were found to be ineffective after tests carried out by the district.

He said Dunavant must distribute effective pesticides.

“CDO should enforce the law to avoid another situation of low productivity.”