The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija has pledged to release Shs4 billion for the distribution of seed to farmers in Uganda.
This announcement was made during a plenary sitting on Thursday, 30 March 2023, following a directive from the Speaker, Anita Among that a statement on distribution of seeds is made.
Kasaija assured the Members of Parliament that the money would be given to the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) for procurement of seeds, and distribution points would be identified to ensure farmers receive the seeds on time. The commitment from the Minister of Finance comes at an opportune time as it is planting season in Uganda.
The Speaker gave Kasaija one week to ensure that seeds are distributed, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, added that even if the money is not availed soon, all that is needed is permission in writing to the accounting officers of NAADS.
However, Tumwebaze clarified that procurement and distribution of seeds for all districts is now done under the Parish Development Model (PDM) and not NAADS. He explained that the budget that was previously used by Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies like NAADS to provide seeds was withdrawn and consolidated to support pillar one under the PDM. As such, MAAIF and its agencies no longer provide seed as a matter of policy and lack of funds.
Source: Parliament
