25,000 farmers to gain from NAADS

Apr 24, 2009

OVER 25,000 farmers are expected to benefit from the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) in the coming financial year, the executive director has said.

By Catherine Bekunda

OVER 25,000 farmers are expected to benefit from the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) in the coming financial year, the executive director has said.

Silim Nahdy was presenting his budget for 2009/2010 before parliaments’ committee on agriculture yesterday.

About sh134.6b has been allocated to the organisation, whose aim is to increase farmer access to information, knowledge and technology for profitable agriculture.

The budget has received a net increase of sh33b from the previous financial year. Districts will receive sh8.8b while sub-counties will get sh108b, compared to sh72b last year.

MPs, however, cautioned NAADS officials against irregularities in the procurement process. “Inputs procured under NAADS projects are always over-priced and yet of low quality. This leads to wastage of tax payers’ money,” noted Lastus Serunjogi, vice chairperson of the committee.

He said there was need for funds to support agro-processing in terms of value addition. “Much as NAADS was given this mandate by cabinet, no funds have been availed to facilitate it. We as a committee shall advocate allocation of funds,” he said.

NAADS will start receiving funds according to agricultural planting seasons. Previously money was released on a quarterly basis, leading to wastage of inputs procured during the dry season.

There are two planting seasons in Uganda; July to September and March to April.

Tress Bucyanayandi (MP Bufumbira) noted that farmers are being given animals without proper instructions from extension workers. He said many have died as a result.

Silim also revealed that 1,033 Frontline Extension Workers will be contracted as sub-county co-ordinators on a full time basis, while 700 others will provide extension services to farmers in livestock and crops.

MPs urged NAADS to avail information to the public, especially at the grassroots level, on how the six farmers per parish will be chosen. The issue has caused public outcry in some sections of the public with some arguing that only rich supporters of the NRM are selected.

“A model farmer should be able to keep data, have a sizeable piece of land and should be able to educate others,” Silim said.

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