The government has launched the distribution of 173,913 bags of fertiliser to selected farmers across the country in a move aimed at restoring soil fertility, increasing agricultural productivity and improving household incomes.
The fertiliser, procured by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) from ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda, will be distributed to eligible farmers at no cost under a presidential directive.
The beneficiaries will mainly include farmers engaged in strategic agricultural enterprises such as coffee, tea and cocoa.
Launching the programme at the MAAIF headquarters in Entebbe on Monday, Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze said the intervention is part of the government’s efforts to promote precision and evidence-based farming.
“Farmers need to apply the right input, in the right quantity and at the right time if we are to achieve higher productivity and better incomes,” Minister Tumwebaze said.
He said improving the use of agricultural inputs is critical to increasing yields and strengthening the incomes of farming households.
MAAIF Permanent Secretary Maj Gen David Kasura-Kyomukama said Uganda’s low fertiliser application rate, currently estimated at between two and three kilogrammes per hectare, coupled with declining soil fertility, continues to constrain agricultural productivity.
He said the distribution exercise will prioritise speed, proximity and accountability to ensure that the fertiliser reaches the intended beneficiaries.
The fertiliser bags will be clearly marked “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale” to guard against diversion and commercialisation.
“There will be no fees, no charges and no diversion. These fertilisers are a government intervention and must reach the farmers for whom they are intended,” Maj Gen Kasura said.
State Minister for Agriculture Desiré Muhooza said the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting farmers involved in strategic value chains.
She urged beneficiaries to work closely with agricultural extension workers to ensure the fertiliser is applied correctly and at the appropriate time.
ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda, represented by Bigirimana, also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the distribution exercise and equipping farmers with knowledge on proper fertiliser application.
The programme is expected to help restore soil fertility, increase crop yields and farmers’ incomes while contributing to Uganda’s food and nutrition security.
The launch was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, senior MAAIF officials and other stakeholders.
