By Sharon Basilika | Mukono
The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, has called for more investment in agricultural research to improve coffee and cocoa production, particularly the development of better seed varieties and farming methods.
Tumwebaze made the remarks during the launch of the Coffee and Cocoa Research Management Facility at the National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI) in Kituuza, Ntenjeru-Kisoga Town Council, Mukono District.
He urged agricultural scientists to focus on research that addresses challenges faced by farmers, including poor-quality planting materials, low yields and limited access to modern farming technologies.
The minister commended the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and NaCORI for engaging the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, to construct agricultural research facilities.
NaCORI Research Director Dr Geoffrey Arinaitwe said the institute requires more funding to improve coffee seed production, processing technologies, research facilities and staffing.
He said a reliable coffee seed system would enable farmers to access improved varieties developed through local research.
Mukono District Production Officer Fred Mukulu asked the Ministry of Agriculture to provide more support for commercial farming, particularly coffee and cocoa seedlings, irrigation equipment and agricultural machinery.
Mukono District Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome appealed to the government to provide one million coffee and cocoa seedlings to support farmers seeking to expand production.
Mukoome said the district has the potential to increase commercial farming but requires more planting materials and technical support.
Mukono Resident District Commissioner Hajjati Fatuma Ndisaba raised concern over the sale of counterfeit agricultural chemicals and other farm inputs, saying farmers continue to lose money and crops to fake products.
She called for stricter action against dealers selling counterfeit agricultural inputs.
During the event, Tumwebaze witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Mukono District Local Government and NARO.
The agreement will support cooperation in agricultural research, access to improved planting materials and extension services for farmers.
Agricultural officers were also commissioned during the event, which was attended by district officials, including Chief Administrative Officer Henry Ddamba, and other agricultural stakeholders.
