Maize Farmers in Kagadi Suffer Blow from Counterfeit Agricultural Inputs

Summary:

• Maize farmers in Kagadi district face losses from fake agricultural inputs sold by unlicensed dealers, prompting action by authorities.

KAGADI, (Examiner) – Maize farmers in Kagadi district are raising alarm over the proliferation of counterfeit agricultural inputs within the region. During an interview with Examiner last week, farmers highlighted a concerning trend where numerous agro-input vendors in Kagadi are peddling fake or expired products, resulting in significant financial setbacks for the agricultural community.

The brunt of this issue is particularly felt in Pachwa town council and Kiryanga Sub County, where farmers like Michael Rwesemereza have suffered substantial losses. Rwesemereza recounted how he lost two acres of maize due to the application of counterfeit chemicals labeled as “Metro zines,” purchased from a local agro input outlet in Pachwa town. The sprayed crops rapidly withered, leading to devastating losses.

Similarly, Justine Wobyoona shared her ordeal of losing 10 acres of maize, echoing the frustration of many farmers in the area. Despite attempts to seek assistance from both governmental channels and agro-input suppliers, such efforts have yielded no fruitful outcomes.

Jeramiah Tumuhimbise, another affected farmer from Kabaseke village in Kiryanga Sub County, is urging the implicated dealers to provide compensation for their losses.

Denis Murungi, the agricultural officer of Pachwa town council, disclosed that approximately five farmers have fallen victim to counterfeit inputs. He pointed out a concerning aspect where farmers hesitate to report such incidents promptly to his office, thereby hindering timely intervention.

Murungi, in collaboration with the Kagadi district production department, is now intensifying efforts to combat unlicensed vendors who are responsible for flooding the market with fake agricultural products.