New Vision’s Herbert Musoke brings you reactions from the public regarding the passing of the 2024/25 budget on agriculture.
James Kabiito, commercial farmer, Masaka
Since the focus is more on agro-industrialisation this year, the Government should invest in collection centres where farmers can keep their harvest since much is lost during the post-harvest period.
Doris Najjuma Kairu, the director Bukonte Farm in Namaliiri, Kayunga district
I wish the Government would invest more in subsidising the prices of quality and internationally acceptable pesticides, fungicides and acaricides so that farmers can access them at relatively cheaper prices. It should fight counterfeits and sale of outdated chemicals on the market. There is also need to create a price stabilisation policy to control price fluctuation of agricultural produce.
Anthony Mateega Best farmer 2019
The Government should invest more in extension services to help farmers manage their enterprises. As of now, there is a big gap between the available extension services and what is needed, yet in some instances farmers seem more experienced than the extension workers available.
Joseph Tumukugize, agriprenuer and executive director, Darling Coffee, Mbale
The Government should invest in constructing and facilitating incubation centres across regions where entrepreneurs and those wishing to start up value addition businesses can go and learn. Also, students in institutions of higher learning, can get hands-on experiences, so that the sector can get a knowledgeable workforce.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Matia Kasaija, the minister of finance arriving at Kololo ahead of the national budget reading On Thursday, June 13. Photo by Miriam Namutebi
