Authorities crack down on fake Agro Inputs in Kigezi region

Police and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) have confiscated fake and expired agro inputs worth millions of shillings in Kisoro and Kabale area.

At least six operators of Agro inputs shops in Kabale district were taken to police to record statements while those in Kisoro got off with a stern warning.

Majority of the fake and expired agro inputs in Kabale district were picked from Inputs limited Agro-chemicals shop in Kicumbi trading center, and A’S’K farmer’s Agro inputs shop from Kabale town.

Fake agro inputs including different types of fertilizers, chemicals, seeds, pesticides were seized during the major operation.

Over 20 Agro Input shops in Kisoro Municipality had their stock impounded on allegations that they had expired while others were not approved MAAIF.

The operations come at a time when Government is attempting to curb the issuance of counterfeit and fake agro in puts on the market leading to low agricultural production in the region.

Some of the shops that were found with fake and expired agro inputs include KK new farmers, Kisoro farming center, Ngira and sons agro input shop, Augusto Agro input shop, all located at Garage street, Main street and in the new park in Kisoro Municipality.

In Kabale district, 15 Agro input shops that were inspected, only two had operational licenses.

MAAIF Agricultural Inspector George Wandera says the operation comes following an outcry from farmers across the country over fake and expired inputs.

Wandera adds that the operation was focused on identifying input shop operators safe use and handling certificates, availability of operational licenses and those shops with unqualified attendants.

A total of 47 unregistered products were confiscated from shops in pursuant of section 4 of the Agricultural chemicals (Control) Act 1 of 2007 which states that the said items should not be stocked or sold to farmers.

Wandera says all Input dealers have been given a period of one month to fulfill the requirements.

The Kisoro district senior agricultural Engineer Hatega John noted that farmers have persistently suffered losses due to use of fake seeds, pesticides, fertilizers among other agro inputs.

He advised farmers to always be keen on the type of shops where they buy their agro inputs from.

Munyarugerero Valence of KK news farmers Agro input shop in Kisoro Municipality asked the MAAIF officials to reach out to large scale producers to offer subsides to small suppliers who cannot afford to stock in large quantities and are forced to duplicate inputs in order to remain relevant and support their families.

The Assistant Inspector of Police, attached to Agriculture police unit at MAAIF head office Charles Ebiau who led a team of police officers from Kabale Central station during an operation said that those who were taken to police were charged with operating Agro-chemical shops without valid licenses, adding that the inspection is of benefit both to the agro input dealers and the farmers. He added that the confiscated inputs have been transported to Namerere in Kawanda Kampala where they shall be destroyed.

The Director of Beno Two farmers shop Benon Twongyeirwe asked the officials from the Ministry to bring services of issuing operational licenses at district level so as they can be able to always get licenses without inquiring about the costs of travelling to MAAIF head offices in Kampala.