Makerere University’s agriculture students have resolved to educate the public about counterfeit seeds, following a study on the subject.
The call came during a week-long seed expo at the Source of the Nile agricultural show ground in Jinja last week. The expo was called to educate farmers on the modern mechanisms of growing seeds that suit the current rain-scarce seasons.
Dr Samuel Kalimunjaye of Makerere’s college of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences said their decision followed a study on counterfeit seeds in Uganda’s market in 2015.
“As Makerere, we have done our research and implemented it but the rest is up to the farmers out there to buy seeds which are certified by the ministry of agriculture and, in turn, harvest more yields,” he said.
Mercy Namara, a researcher from Makerere, had even better news for the farmers.
“We [have developed] a number of drought-tolerant crops and we have set up a demonstration farm in Nakabango parish in Jinja, where farmers can train on quality farming,” Namara added.
The expo attracted several local seed-producing companies looking for opportunities from farmers. Speaking for government, the minister of state for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Christopher Kibanzanga, commended the students for practicing their knowledge instead of waiting for government employment.
“Students should be more practical and exhibit their university skills and knowledge with all the passion to our populace,” Kibanzanga said. “I think students like you who have come up with this year’s seed expo will help in the fight against fake dealers who have flooded the market with fake seeds.”