Agric unveils maize post-harvest handbook

Oct 11, 2009

THE agriculture ministry has launched a maize post-harvest handling handbook aimed at boosting output.

By Samuel Balagadde

THE agriculture ministry has launched a maize post-harvest handling handbook aimed at boosting output.

The initiative was supported by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA).

Henry Bagiire, the agriculture state minister, launched the handbook at Hotel African over the weekend.
The minister stated that the annual maize production of 1.5 million metric tonnes was low compared to neighbouring countries.

“Improved maize seeds, modern farm inputs and better farm management practices are some of the factors that are required to increase maize production.

“The manual is addressing several issues geared towards increased productivity,” said Bagiire.
The handbook also addresses maize storage, processing and access to better market.

This, it is believed, would lead to improved livelihood and boost the Government’s chances of achieving the millennium development goals.

Dr. David Kamukama, the DANIDA small and medium enterprises agricultural sector programme manager, explained that the handbook was expected to transform maize production from predominantly subsistence to commercial farming.

He said the country’s better climate, conducive for maize production, had not been utilised due to lack of information on better farming practices.

“Several factors like crop rotation, perennial weeds, weed control, chemical methods, mechanical methods and soil fertility have been fully-addressed by this manual in a more simplified language to a farmers,” said Kamukama.

Dr. Denis Kyetere, a maize breeder at the National Agriculture Research Organization, disclosed that the manual would be translated into the major local languages for the benefit of all farmers.

“Better seeds have been the major stumbling block for maize productivity.

“Maize has a multiplier effect as the product can be used for chicken feeds or direct consumption,” said Kyetere.

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