Apple farmers in Rubanda district are appealing to the government for a prompt intervention to address the surge of counterfeit agricultural inputs.
They believe that through coordinated efforts and strict enforcement, the government can protect farmers from falling victim to fake products and ensure the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Speaking to our reporter on Saturday, Joab Ndyomugyenyi, the chairperson of the Rubanda district apple farmers’ cooperative society, highlighted the detrimental impact of these fake agro-inputs on their yields.
He emphasized the difficulties faced by rural farmers in distinguishing between counterfeit and genuine agricultural inputs and called upon the government to intervene urgently.
Ndyomugyenyi further emphasized the need for the government to provide guidance and support to farmers in identifying authentic agro-inputs. He urged the authorities to take stringent measures against those involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit products.
Daniel Nabaasa, the Rubanda District Production Officer, acknowledged the rising prevalence of counterfeit agro-inputs in the market. Nabaasa advised farmers to purchase their agricultural inputs exclusively from authorized agricultural suppliers or seek guidance from agricultural extension workers at the sub-county and town council levels.
Nabaasa emphasized the importance of ensuring that farmers have access to reliable and legitimate agro inputs to maximize their yields and safeguard their livelihoods.
He further encouraged farmers to report any suspected cases of counterfeit inputs to the relevant authorities, promoting a collaborative effort to combat this issue.
