NAADS distributes 1,698 Metric tonnes of maize seed to farmers
NAADS distributes over 2 million maize and bean seed as second planting season begins
The National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) has commenced the distribution of planting materials to farmers ahead of the second planting season for the year 2020 that has begun.
As the Government agency that is responsible for managing the distribution of agricultural inputs for wealth creation, NAADS has procured planting materials for distribution to farmers. In the second season of 2020, NAADS has prioritized crops with greater impact on food security, household incomes and national export earnings.
NAADS interventions for wealth creation for the FY 2020/21 in all District Local Governments (DLGs) is aimed at strengthening value chains for specific commodities as indicated in H.E the President’s policy guidance during the State of the Nation address, 2020 and DLG priority commodity list for FY 2020/21 submitted to the NAADS Secretariat. These include; maize; beans; cassava; Irish-potatoes; sweet potatoes; sorghum; tea; in-calf heifers; poultry, pigs, and fish among others.
NAADS is distributing 1,698,529 kilograms of maize seed and 585,335 kilograms of bean seed to farmer-beneficiaries across the country. Being a demand-driven program, the seed is being distributed to farmers that requested for support through the different District Local Governments. Seed for maize and beans is being provided mainly to promote food security but also to boost household incomes depending on the level of commercialization of these enterprises in the individual district/or regions.
Farmers in Kayunga Sub County in Kayunga District receive maize seed
In addition to maize and bean seed, plans are underway to distribute sorghum seed and cassava cuttings to farmers in different districts in order to promote food security.
In order to meet the agriculture commercialization objective of Government, NAADS plans to distribute planting materials of pineapple, apples, mangoes, citrus/oranges seedlings and tea. It should be noted that the government support for fruit seedlings (Citrus, Mango, Apple and Pineapple) targets clustered farmers and farmers’ groups in selected agro-ecological zones to aggregate production around emerging and existing processing facilities for agro industrialization.
As the farmers prepare to plant, the Executive Director NAADS dr. Sam Mugasi has advised farmers to ensure that their gardens/fields are well managed by adhering to proper agronomic practices, control of pests and diseases with support from the relevant technical agricultural officers.
Under livestock, in the financial year 2020/2021, due to budgetary constraints, NAADS will give out stocking/livestock materials of dairy heifers, pigs, poultry and poultry feeds, and fish & fish feeds. Government support under livestock is aimed at improving household incomes and creating sources of improved breeds within the communities. Poultry material is intended to provide a start – up package for developing poultry enterprises.
