Ministry, farmers clash over production volumes

A farmer spreads out rice in Butalejja District. Farmers argue that what they are producing is way below capacity yet government is cautioning them against over producing crops, saying they will make losses. FILE PHOTO

Kampala- Farmers dig their own graves each time they produce more than the market can consume, a government technocrat has said.

According to the commissioner for agricultural planning at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Mr Samuel Ssemanda, it is a mistake for farmers to produce more with a view that they will cash in more than they previously did.

Speaking during the EAC agricultural budget summit on Tuesday in Entebbe, he said: “It is not a matter of wishing that you grow more. The question is; where will you put it and who will buy it?”

Drawing from his experience, he continued: “I was among those who, in 2014, lost money after growing excess maize. From 40 tonnes of maize I only got Shs2.5 million. The reason for this was excess maize—over production which did affect many other farmers as well.”

According to Mr Ssemanda, who was also representing the permanent secretary and the Minister of Agriculture, production must correlate with the market and it shouldn’t be done for the sake of it.
In response, the president of Uganda National Farmers Federation, Mr Charles Ogang, said farmers should not be blamed for doing what they are supposed to do.

He said: “Farmers have done their part and they will continue to produce. It is not fair for them to be blamed for what they do best—produce.”

Farmers’ view
He said farmers want storage facilities, market information, extension services and good quality seeds to produce more because what is being produced is way below capacity.

“Government has a role in improving the situation rather than lament,” said Mr Ogang.

Ms Polly Apio, a member of the rural farmers forum, said the major problem is not over production but acute shortage of information, explaining why small-holder farmers, who are the majority in the sector (agriculture) are poor.

The vice chairperson committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Ms Oleru Huda Abason, said government should be put under pressure to deliver services that can spur the sector.