Uganda uses less chemicalsâ€" Kisamba

By Gerald Tenywa UGANDA has the least dependence on agricultural chemicals in the East and Central Africa region, posing fewer risks to health and the environment.Dr. Kisamba Mugerwa, the minister of agriculture, animal industry and fisheries said on Thursday that Uganda is one of the few countries where organic farming is widely practiced. “Our national application of fertilisers per hectare is 1kg compared to 9kg in the rest of sub-Saharan Africa,’’ he said. He was speaking during a three-day workshop organised by the National Agricultural Organic Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU). He said it was important to create awareness about the dangers and benefits of chemicals.Alstair Taylor of NOGAMU cautioned farmers not only to be profit-driven to apply chemicals so as to control pests and increase productivity because this may have adverse effects on the environment. “Organic farming offers committed farmers and environmentalists the assurance of increased productivity without endangering the environment,’’ he said, adding that chemical application was not sustainable.Taylor said chemicals are expensive and are a sources of pollution to human beings, animals, soil and water.Mugerwa said most farmers in Uganda largely practice organic farming. “We need to provide specific advisory services so that they can improve productivity, promote organic food and attract higher prices,” he said.