Budget increase excites NAADS boss

With the budgetary process for the 2017/2018, Dr. Samuel Mugasi, the Executive Director of National Agricultural Advisory Services has expressed his satisfaction on the increase of the budgetary allocation for the advisory body ahead of the new financial year.

"Our budget in 2012/2013 was about sh200b. Next financial year, our budget will be sh319b. That is a significant increase; we want to thank government for increasing our budget. With this money, I think we can reach up to 30% of our households," he told the New Vision in an interview.

Mugasi explained that with the increased budgetary allocation, NAADS will do more, including rescuing the ailing tea industry.

"With this budget, we are going to increase the acreage planted for tea, fruits and also livestock. We also want to deal with the water for production, and also value addition."

Mugasi reflected on the challenging weather patterns, which has adversely affected farming activities, and even led to famine in some parts of the country.

"The weather is the single biggest challenge we are facing as people supporting farmers. As we are struggling to provide materials to farmers, the unpredictability of the weather is becoming a big challenge. Even when you think you have planted in time, the rains do not last long."

NAADS will be showcasing some of the new innovations in store for farmers at the Harvest Money expo slated to start this Friday at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium.