Govt puts tough measures on counterfeit farm inputs

AGRIBUSINESS

After a countrywide outcry by farmers over fake agro-inputs, the Government has come up with tough measures aimed at fighting the problem.

The challenge of counterfeit agro-inputs has lasted for years despite efforts to cut it down. In 2012, the ministry indicated that Uganda was losing billions of shillings due to counterfeit products.

The commissioner Agriculture investment and enterprise development, Deus Muhwezi revealed that among the measures, the government has created a new department of crop and input inspection to give the matter serious attention.

"Under this government has recruited additional 23 crop and agro-inputs inspector to increase the capacity and cover all points in the country," Muhwezi explained.

During the Local Government Finance Commission (LGFC) grant negotiations meeting in Kampala on Thursday, Muhwezi observed that substandard inputs have greatly affected the industry and Uganda's food security situation.

(Left to right ) Agnes Atim , chairperson local government finance commission, David Muhwezi commissioner Agriculture investments, and enterprises at Ministry of Agriculture, Robert Khaukha assistant commissioner monitoring and evaluation unit Ministry of Agriculture interacting after the meeting (Photo by Sylvia Katushabe)

He said the inspectors will be backed by the newly instituted Agricultural Police to hunt down all the dealers in fake agro-inputs.

"Such dealers are anti-development. We need to look at this holistically, not only the seeds but also chemicals and fertilizers, among others," Muhwezi said.

He added that if the problem of fake agro-inputs is not handled well, it will affect the entire region.

Muhwezi also disclosed that government is working with a number of foreign governments with companies that manufacture agro-inputs to register their details.

"We going to register all input dealers right from the manufacturers, importers, whole sellers and retailers for traceability," he said.

He clarified that they have registered instances were dealers connive with suppliers to produce and sell counterfeits products.

"The local dealers will be certified and the lists published every season to enable farmers know the right places to purchase inputs from," Muhwezi noted.

Muhwezi was reacting to issues by districts local government members who complained of the increase in the sale of fake agricultural inputs which affects production.

The commissioner also reported that government had recruited over 30000 extension workers to foster production in the agricultural sector.

"Government recruited a total 0f 3820 extension service providers to bridge the gap and offer farmers the important technical support to thrive," he revealed.

Muhwezi said they needed to recruit veterinary, agriculture and fisheries officers at district and sub-counties to provide farmers with the needed information.

"We want to close the extension farmer ratio from the current approximately one extension officer to 5000 farmers and bring it down to at least one extension officer to 1800 farmers," he said.

As a consequence of lack of adequate extension officers to offer farmers the necessary technical expertise, many farmers are left clueless, gambling with what, when, and how to take care of their farms.

Jimmy Amone, Lamwor district council speaker, called for the ministry of agriculture support as regards drafting and formulation of ordinances to curb counterfeits.

"The fake agro-input dealers are a common enemy to the country. We are meant to overhaul the whole process to protect the farmers," he said.