By Ojok James Onono
JINJA, (UG): Majority of farmers attending the 29th National Agriculture Trade Show in Jinja have expressed concern about the performance of imported crop varieties citing poor compliance with the regional climatic differences within the country.
“As we have witnessed here, the majority of the Seeds Companies have crop Varieties imported and it has a high risk in performance in the country and government of Uganda should continue to advocate for the Seeds Companies to be making local varieties here like Equator Seeds Company is doing so that we can trace in case of failure than the foreign-made varieties”. Adong Pamela one of the farmers from Omoro district said today.
Agaba Collins from Masaka who was also in the Camp of Equator Seeds said he has come back to Equator Seeds in this year’s exhibition because the maize he bought last year did well and he thinks because the varieties the company have normally undergo regional testing which is far better than imported varieties.
Okello Tonny the Executive Director of Equator Seeds Company Limited said the company is strictly dealing in Uganda’s made varieties with affordable prizes for farmers. According to Okello, Equator Seeds does close follow-up with its customers and is committed to ensuring all clients who buy from the company share their experience after.
“When you tell me people are crowded at our camp, I’m not surprised because we are more Ugandan while dealing in crop varieties and it accounts for the various awards we have been getting over the years,” Okello who was out of the camp at press time, responded on the phone.
Opiyo Kelvin the Equator Seeds Agronomist on-site engaging farmers said the Ugandan Varieties are sold at a standard price of Ugx 12,000 for packed two kilograms which include, Nabe 17, Gagawala UH5051 maize hybrid, Mak Soy 3n meanwhile Sorghum goes at Ugx 22,500 for 5 kilograms.
The 29th National Agriculture Trade Show in Jinja Agricultural show ground is organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries that started on August 4th going up to the 13th of August 2023.
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