Govt urged to take action against fake agricultural inputs

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The government has been urged to enhance its mechanisms for controlling counterfeit agricultural inputs in a bid to ensure the viability of the horticulture sector.

Annet Kawooya Bogere from Techno Serve, which is implementing a program supported by the Dutch government, highlighted that fake agrochemicals—some sold at elevated prices by reputable suppliers—have significantly increased operational costs, causing many farmers to incur losses.

“We have counterfeit inputs on the market that challenge our farmers. The government has a crucial role to play in regulating these fake products to protect our farmers, especially smallholder farmers,” Kawooya, stated during a press conference on Tuesday at the organisation’s offices in Kamwokya, Kampala.

Kawooya noted that despite progress in the horticulture sector, several significant challenges remain, including food safety concerns, pest management issues, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory hurdles. 

Private-public sector collaboration

She emphasised that collaboration between the private and public sectors is essential.

“The private sector is often more consistent than the public sector, and as long as they fulfil their role in providing technical support, farmers will benefit significantly,” she explained.

During the event, Kawooya announced plans for a convention focused on horticulture, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Horticulture Convention 2025 is scheduled to take place at the Kampala Serena Hotel (and virtually) from June 11th to 12th. It aims to promote inclusive growth, innovation, and market competitiveness in Uganda’s horticulture sector.

“This (horticulture) program is coming to an end,” she remarked, noting that it is a four-year program with a budget of 10 million euros, covering 33 districts across the country.

The convention will gather over 100 stakeholders from the horticulture industry to share best practices and explore collaborative strategies to tackle ongoing challenges in the sector.

“We have focused on increasing production and productivity in the horticulture sector, enhancing market access for smallholder farmers, and creating an enabling environment. As we approach the conclusion of this program, we aim to showcase the results of our efforts, address challenges, and open up funding opportunities within the sector,” Kawooya stated.

She added that the convention aims to bring together various players, donors, market leaders, and stakeholders.

“We want to create a space where participants can discuss the key challenges facing the industry and collaborate effectively, as this sector has significant potential for income generation. After four years of operation in this sector, we have identified the challenges, and we want to know which aspects they wish to take forward. The convention comes at a crucial time when donor support is declining, presenting an opportunity to reevaluate how to support the work of NGOs in this country,” she said.

Market opportunities

The project was designed to assist smallholder farmers, particularly fresh food cultivators nationwide. It aims to help them understand farming dynamics and improve their income through increased acreage, market access and financing, as well as value addition.

“As part of the project, we have conducted capacity building, provided technical assistance—including grants and technology such as greenhouses and transportation to markets—and addressed pest and disease challenges. Many farmers produce without a clear market strategy, but we emphasise the importance of understanding market demand before starting production,” Kawooya said.

Regarding market opportunities, she noted that while Uganda offers a diverse market, many farmers suffer from high levels of wastage and often fail to assess market needs before production. 

“We are encouraging farmers to align their production strategies with market demands,” she added, indicating potential markets in Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, and the DRC.