MAAIF appoints a committee to study the effectiveness of agrochemicals and animal health products

KAMPALA – In line with the Government’s program to move more people into the money economy through increased agricultural production and productivity, the discussion on the efficacy of agrochemicals has taken center stage in the public domain over the past years.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Center, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Hon. Frank K. Tumwebaze says whereas application of agrochemicals in agriculture has several benefits which range from yield increase of crops and soil fertility to pest management, crop protection, and increased productivity in the livestock subsector, over the past decade, there has been growing concerns on the low levels of efficacy of some of the available agrochemicals and acaricides in Uganda.

Regarding the quality and efficacy of animal and crop drugs and other inputs in the control and fight against diseases; the minister has appointed a committee of eminent professionals and practitioners in the crop and animal husbandries to assess the challenges.

The team will be supported by a Secretariat at the Ministry who will include technical officers at the Ministry and relevant Agencies.

On receipt of the final report, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) shall formulate a government white paper with clear policy and regulatory reforms that will help to address the identified gaps for Cabinet discussion and consideration, Tumwebaze said.

“The committee will help to understand the actual problem, its magnitude and thus make relevant therapeutic policy recommendations which will be discussed by Cabinet and thereafter adoption of the most effective ones.”

Mr. Tumwebaze has promised that the ministry will also conduct sub-regional farming dialogues with farming communities and private sector actors to develop farming profiles for each sub-region and highlight constraints along the respective value chains, including the rationale for investment in agriculture. 

The Committee Composition is as follows:

1. Prof.   John   David Kabaasa, Chairperson.
2. Dr. Eve Kasirye Alemu, Vice Chairperson
3. Dr. Stevens Kisaka, Secretary
4. Dr. Jullian Omalla, Member
5. Mrs.   Beatrice Byarugaba, Member
6. Dr. John Nuwagaba, Member
7. Mr. Hudda Mahmood, Member
8. Mr.     Tayebwa Rutamwebwa, Member
9. Dr. Patrick Vudriko, Member
10. Ms. Flora Kiconco, Member
11. Dr. Ben Ssekamatte, Member

The Secretariat Team is as follows:

The specific terms of reference for the committee include:

1. Study and profile the various agrochemicals, acaricides and inputs and their various sources that are available on the market in Uganda.
2. Study and profile the supply chain of agrochemicals, acaricides and inputs in Uganda with a view to establish existing gaps and loopholes in policy, regulatory frameworks and usage.
3. Study and inquire into the forms of complaints and their probable root causes regarding the quality of agrochemicals, acaricides and inputs from the farmers and other stakeholders in the entire value chain.
4. Study and review the appropriateness of the current Government policy, institutional mandates and regulatory frameworks for agrochemicals, acaricides and inputs
5. Make recommendations on the necessary reforms that Government needs to undertake in addressing the identified gaps in a sustainable manner.
6. Submitting the final report within 90 days; during this period of Lockdown, they will do desk research and review available relevant literature