MPs advise gov't to go slow on silos

Sep 01, 2012

Government is set to construct at least 20 regional silos to address food shortage and combat famine. But the move has received mixed reactions from cross section of the public including Members of Parliament.

By Patrick Jaramogi

Government is set to construct at least 20 regional silos to address food shortage and combat famine. But the move has received mixed reactions from cross section of the public including Members of Parliament.

New Vision has learnt that construction of the silos is set to begin next month following approval of the architectural plans.

Trade, Industry and Co-operatives Minister Amelia Kyambadde said the regional silos would be instrumental in addressing the issue of food production.

“We are now putting our focus on enhancing production, curbing famine and increasing food security. Construction of the silos will be starting soon, now that the architectural plans are ready,” she said during a meeting of district officials at Grand Imperial hotel.

John Bagoole Ngobi (Luuka MP) said government should first think of empowering the farmers by helping them increase production. “We say 80% of Uganda’s population is employed by the farming sector, yet they are still using rudimentary hoes. What will the silos be used for when farmers production is still low?” he asked.

Amos Mandera (Kooki MP- Rakai) said the issue of collective marketing should be handled prior to construction of silos. “What are they going to store in the silos when many farmers sell their produce to Southern Sudan businessmen at flowering stage? How will government control this?” asked Mandera. He pointed out that lack of law on Public Private Partnership allowed the farmers to sell their produce as they so wish.

Across section of participants at a national dialogue organized by the Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Uganda on exploring opportunities for small holder farmers in East African Common Market protocol observed that the issue of silos was not sufficient to address issues of famine and food insecurity. “We appreciate the idea of silos, but we are worried, who will be in charge of maintenance,” asked Jane Nalunga country director Southern and Eastern African Trade Information and Negotiating Institute (SEATINI).

Kyambadde pointed out that an additional 60 satellite warehouses would be set up to feed into the silos.  Recently government renovated six 65, 000 capacity warehouses to help farmers   improve on post-harvest handling.

Kyambadde said these silos and warehouses would help reduce on the majority of food that goes to waste due to lack of storage.

The initial silos will be located in Jinja, Iganga, Mbale, Kumi, Lira, Gulu, Arua, Hoima, Mityana and Mbarara.

Francis Kolou, a Commercial officer with the Trade and industry ministry said the silos would enable farmers to store and add value to the grains prior to export.

The assistant Commissioner Economic Affairs in the Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MEACA) Abubaker Moki said the issue of supplies is very paramount to boost production. “When I was working at the Farmers’ Federation, we got a deal to supply one million sheep.

But we lost the offer. Nobody was willing. Those who promised to deliver brought few and switched off their phones when demand calls increased,” said. Moki said Silos would address the issue of collective marketing among the farmers. “We can generate enough to sell abroad with the silos, but the underlying factor still remains, inadequate supplies,” he said.

Agnes Kirabo, the program officer Volunteer Efforts for Development Concerns (VEDCO) said with their produce stored in a proper warehouse, farmers can negotiate for a better price since they tend to deal with bigger purchasers. “Farmers usually appoint representatives who negotiate with the bigger buyers. 

These often tend to cheat them. With silos farmers can access loans using their produce stored in the warehouse as security,” she said.

 

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