The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has prioritized the distribution of seedlings across Uganda, among other interventions, to increase productivity.

The State Minister for Agriculture Bwino Fred Kyakulaga made the pledge while giving an update on the implementation of the NRM Manifesto by the ministry.

He noted the distribution of tea seedlings through NAADS has increased the volume of exports from 54,898 metric tonnes worth USD74. 5 million in the 2015/2016 Financial Year to 76, 532 metric tonnes worth USD85.50 million in the 2021/22 Financial Year.

State Minister for Agriculture, Bwino Fred Kyakulaga said that new critical crops such as Macadamia and Hass Avocado were produced largely through partnerships in the 2022/23 financial year. Increased productivity has also been seen in cassava and in citrus fruits like mangoes. The minister added that the government is yet to put in place measures to avoid post-harvest losses in fruit production.

However, the Director of the Manifesto Implementation Unit, Willis Bashasha, noted that pests and diseases still afflict both livestock and plants. These, he said have to be effectively tackled to boost productivity.

The technical team of the agriculture ministry added that they are making efforts to digitize the agricultural sector and farmers will be empowered on how to utilize digital platforms to increase returns and marketability. 

Agriculture remains the main thrust of Uganda’s economic growth and is among four key sectors highlighted in the Uganda Vision 2040. The sector employs over 70% of Uganda’s population directly or indirectly.

Gloria