Farmers challenge government on extension services

Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Farmers are urging that the provision of extension services be prioritized as the Ministry of Agriculture allocates the 2024/25 budget. They argue that the allocated sh1.6 trillion is a reduction from the sh2.2 trillion received last year, and is insufficient given the sector’s needs and its contribution to the economy.

Members under the Uganda National Farmers’ Federation (UNFFE)  emphasized the need for strategic investment in the limited budget. They propose that extension services should be the top priority, as these services can significantly boost production and support the Parish Development Model, which is a key component of the government’s development strategy.

They said this in a week when the 30th edition of the Agricultural Trade Show is running July 26 to August 4, 2024, at the Jinja Agricultural showground.

Caleb Gumisiriza, UNFFE’s Director for Policy, stressed that the available funds should be directed toward areas that can drive sector growth, particularly extension services. He also highlighted the importance of value addition, noting that while many farmers are organized into clusters, these groups should also focus on adding value to their produce. Gumisiriza commended the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) for its efforts in coffee value addition and called for similar initiatives for other key crops.

To promote value addition, Gumisiriza pledged support for proposals from the ministry that align with this goal. He emphasized the need to utilize the limited budget to support value addition in organized clusters, such as the cocoa producers in Bundibugyo, who are currently exporting raw cocoa. The policy director also emphasized the importance of aggregation in agricultural development. He suggested that successful models, such as those in the dairy sector, should be replicated for other products like horticulture by establishing aggregation centers equipped with necessary facilities.

Perez Kawumi, Deputy CEO of UNFFE, outlined the objectives of the show, which include promoting innovations to drive agro-industrialization and providing a platform for farmers, researchers, and policymakers to share knowledge and best practices. The theme for this year’s show is “Innovating Pathways to Farm-Business Led Agro-Industrialization.”

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