Lira farmers alerted of counterfeit seeds on market
LIRA, April 8, 2024 – As the new planting season takes centre stage in the country, farmers in Lira district have been advised to watch out for counterfeit seeds flooding the local market.
According to Lira District Agricultural Officer, Dorcus Alum, farmers should take a keen interest in whatever seeds they buy. He said there are a lot of uncertified companies dealing in seed business.
Alum made the call days ago while addressing the media at Lira Farmers Supply House in Lira City Balco Uganda delivered new maize seeds for farmers in Lango, and Acholi sub-regions.
Alum says to save farmers, the district will launch an operation aimed at weeding out fake seeds and other non-certified agricultural inputs.
The district official also cautioned farmers against buying seeds from hawkers, saying they are hard to locate in case the seeds fail to germinate, resulting in losses on the side of the farmers.
“I am calling upon farmers to interest themselves in whatever seeds they buy from agro-input dealers to avoid incurring losses,” Alum said.
She added: “We need certified and authentic seeds such that when a farmer procures and plants them, he or she will be able to reap big and earn profits.”
She also advised farmers to seek guidance from agricultural extension officers in the use of fertilisers to improve on the yields.
Meanwhile, Willy Omodo Omodo, the clan chief of Pediwibye-Acel warned people against selling off their land, saying instead they should utilise it for commercial production.
https://thecooperator.news/counterfeit-maize-seed-seized-in-lira/
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