MAAIF to Establish Regional Crop Inspection Offices to Fight Fake Agro Inputs

Rukungiri: The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) is set to crack down on fake agricultural products on the market by establishing regional crop inspection offices. For Kigezi Sub-region, the office will be set up in Kabale District early next year.

According to MAAIF, 11 regional crop inspection offices will be established across the country under the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification.

This was revealed on November 6, by the Senior Agricultural Inspector from MAAIF Ronald Asiimwe, during an engagement with district leaders, farmers, agro-input dealers, agro-processors, and extension workers at the Rukungiri Production Department offices.

Asiimwe said the meeting aimed at sensitizing stakeholders about the new regional offices, which will help farmers access quality agricultural inputs such as certified seeds, genuine chemicals, and quality fertilizers, key in boosting crop production both regionally and nationally.

He noted that farmers lack adequate knowledge in managing pests and diseases affecting their crops, while many agro-input shops are operating illegally with fake products on their shelves. He assured farmers that the ministry will soon intensify operations to eliminate counterfeit agro-inputs and ensure only certified dealers operate.

MAAIF’s initiative aligns with its objectives of increasing agricultural production and productivity, improving post-harvest handling and storage, promoting value addition, and enhancing market access for agricultural products domestically and internationally.

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Farmers and agro-processors welcomed the move. Kikarara Parish Councilor James Musiimenta, who owns a factory in Bikurungu, and Denis Kirasha, Director of Nike Plus in Bikurungu Town Council, said fake chemicals have greatly affected crop yields, and it is difficult for farmers to differentiate them from genuine ones. They thanked MAAIF for the intervention and called on officials to consistently monitor local markets.

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The engagement was attended by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom, Rukungiri LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Kyomukama, Clerk to Council Tracy Asiimwe, and other district officials.