NAADS to review performance on agricultural input distribution

The National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) is slated to review its performance on its intervention in the management of Agricultural input distribution in the country. 

The review which is slated for tomorrow is intended to give accountability to the funds released to the organisation in the financial year 2018/19.

According to the head of communication Khadija Nakakande, the organisation whose roles and responsibilities have been evolving since its establishment on the basis of lessons learnt from the implementation of the programme is being governed by the NAADS Act of 2001.

"With its mission of contributing to the transformation of the agriculture sector through the provision of agricultural inputs, agribusiness and value chain development for improved household food security and incomes, NAADS is envisioned to realise a commercialized agriculture sector for sustainable household food security and incomes, "she said.

Some of the hybrid varieties which are usually supplied to farmers by NAADS to increase production. (Photo by Agnes Nantambi)

She said NAADS areas of operation have not been limited to the provision of planting materials for priority and strategic crop commodities to farmers like seeds, vegetable materials, seedlings.

The organisation has also enhanced the provision of agro machinery to support farm mechanization like tractors and matching implements, provision of solar water pumping systems and provision of hoes among others.

She said that NAADS priority commodities for distribution include tea, cocoa, fruits citrus, mangoes, pineapples, apples, banana, maize, cassava, beans, irish potatoes in addition to the provision of livestock materials to priority livestock farmers.

"In addition to this, we have also supported Value Addition by distributing milk coolers, fruit processing plants, milling equipment and ancillary equipment, wine processing equipment, the establishment of community grain stores among others, "she added.

She explained that amidst operation, the organisation is faced with a number of challenges including, low staffing levels of extension departments at the district, unpredictable weather, weak value chains and low funding of the organization among others.

She said that during the review meeting, NAADS will also discuss its planned activities for the financial year 2019/20 and other issues related to promoting agriculture in Uganda.