Uganda Distributes Free Fertilizer to Boost Crop Yields

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has initiated a significant program to combat low agricultural productivity by distributing 173,913 bags of fertilizer free of charge to targeted smallholder farmers across Uganda.

This government initiative, launched in Entebbe, directly addresses a Presidential Directive aimed at revitalizing key agricultural sectors, specifically coffee, tea, and cocoa. The fertilizer, supplied by ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda, is intended to restore soil fertility and significantly boost crop yields for farmers involved in these high-value value chains.

Minister of Agriculture, Frank Tumwebaze, emphasized that this intervention is part of a larger strategy to transition Ugandan farmers towards evidence-based precision agriculture. He stressed the importance of using the correct inputs at the appropriate times and in the right quantities to achieve higher productivity and improved farmer incomes.

MAAIF Permanent Secretary, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, highlighted the critical need for this program, noting Uganda’s historically low fertilizer application rates compared to continental and regional targets. He assured that a robust supply chain with strict verification measures is in place to prevent diversion, with each bag clearly marked “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale.”

ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda, through its Country Director Jean-Luc Bigirimana, pledged logistical support and farmer training to ensure the effective use of the fertilizer. The program’s success will be monitored through reporting systems and subsequent field impact assessments by MAAIF technical teams.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/uganda-tackles-low-agricultural-productivity-with-strategic-fertiliser-subsidy-5577544