NAADS to blacklist suppliers of substandard materials

By Andante Okanya

The National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) has embarked on a mission to blacklist and prosecute suppliers of substandard materials. 

The authority’s stance is contained in a press statement issued detailing guidelines on how farmers can report cases of substandard seeds and other planting materials.

“The NAADS Secretariat shall not hesitate to terminate any supplier’s contract in addition to initiating the process of blacklisting and taking legal action against such contractors/suppliers implicated in the supply of poor seeds and/or planting materials,” the statement reads in part.

The executive director laments that the Uganda’s market for agricultural inputs in Uganda is stained with poor quality inputs. 

Additionally, he explains the decision to clamp down on the perpetrators, saying stakeholders have expressed discontent at the unscrupulous dealers.

“All suppliers with NAADS Secretariat contracts are called upon to ensure that the seed and planting materials supplied to farmers meet the required standards as per specifications in the contracts,” the statement further reads.

Farmers and the general public has been asked to lodge their complaints with the various district agriculture offices.

Alternatively, other platforms for lodging complaints are the NAADS Secretariat toll free line on 0800-230-100, the billing line on 0414-345-060, and the email info@naads.or.ug.

The statement notes that the Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries ministry, its affiliate agencies and Local Governments, are supporting the central government’s efforts to improve household food security and income.