By Augustine Mumbere,
A section of concerned farmers in Busongora County North in Kasese district ask their legislators to consider tabling a motion seeking fixing better prices for the cheap but costly production of agricultural produce in Uganda.
Many interviewed wondered of agriculture was still the backbone of Uganda at a time when the farmers were spending a lot of money and energies on an activity whose results are purchased cheaply.
Speaking to our reporter, Mr. Fredrick Kule the local one vice chairperson for Kathabukene village in Maliba sub-county and Mr. Constantine Mughuda of Muramaba village in Bugoye sub-county like other locals said whereas they have worked hard to minimize costs of production and improved quality and quantity for streamlined demand and supply of their Produce to determine better Market Prices, no better government Policies that would keep farmers in business.
They said for a kilogram of maize to cost about 800 shillings, 8000 and 10000 shillings for a kilograms of coffee and batch of matooke respectively, were low prices to motivate farmers to keep in business each season. Mr. Kule and Mughuda speaking……..
Mr. Asanairi Bukanywa, the Kasese municipal agricultural officer however said under circumstances where Uganda operates a free market economy, the farmers’ demands may not be a reality but forming co-operatives would cement their interests by linking farmers to potential buyers of produce. Mr. Bukanywa speaking……
He later urged farmers to always consult agricultural officers in their areas to address various challenges, including quality and quantity gaps. END
