Okabe Foundation has commenced the distribution of planting materials to 162 registered farmers groups in Serere in a move aimed at eliminating food insecurity and improving wealth creation.
The foundation has prioritized crops with greater impact on food security, household incomes and national export earnings aimed at strengthening value chains for specific commodities.
The foundation has distributed 3,500 kilograms of maize seeds to registered 162 farmer benefiting groups across the country.
Richard Emanio the executive director of Okabe foundation said that maize seeds were provided mainly to promote food security but also to boost household incomes depending on the level of commercialization of the enterprises.
Emanio has advised farmers to ensure that their gardens are well managed by adhering to proper agronomic practices, control of pests and diseases with support from the relevant technical agricultural officers.
However, a section of farmers have expressed worry of the increasing prices of seeds.
James Okodi, a farmer from Kelim – Kyere, says the price of food is likely to remain high because of expected low production as many farmers may fail to plant crops due to failure to secure seeds which have also become very expensive.
“I am a worried farmer because we used to receive seeds from the sub-counties,” Okodi said
Majuma Imukono, a resident of Odoo B village, says she used to store some maize cobs in the kitchen roofs ahead of the planting season, but this time round she harvested the maize when it was not ready and had nothing to store.
Justine Omoding, wondered how farmers will survive next season if the government does not come to their rescue.
He added that, if farmers fail to grow crops such as maize this season, the government will in the coming four months start providing food as it does for refugees.
“I ask the government to provide us with planting materials,” He appealed
Kyere Sub County LCIII John Esadu on his part noted that farmers are often duped to buy expired seeds, most of which do not germinate.