Farmers across the country have been advised not to rush into planting any crops as the current rains that are being experienced are not reliable for planting crops, but a spill over from the previous season as reported by Uganda National Metrological Authority (UNMA).
While speaking to the press in Kampala on Thursday, Hon. Vincent Ssempija Bamulangaki the Minister for Agriculture advised farmers and other agricultural practitioners to complete harvesting of the previous season crops especially the cereals as soon as possible while observing proper Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling practices.
Farmers are also advised to prepare their fields by clearing, slashing and first ploughing, while the second ploughing should be carried out 14 days after the first ploughing for the case of those Using tractors.
Farmers should dig holes, put Manure in preparation for establishing perennial crops and fruit orchards, and acquisition of inputs (seed/ planting materials, _ fertilisers, herbicides).
Farmers are further advised to identify and buy certified seed for planting.
Hon. Bamulangakinoted that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) developed a tamperproof label for ascertaining quality of certified seed.
“Farmers are therefore, advised to look out for seed that bears a MAAIF Tamperproof label which is either blue or green in colour attached to the seed packs. Farmers are advised to identify certified sources of improved planting materials for vegetatively propagated crops such as cassava and sweet potatoes” the Minister says.
He also advised farmers to identify and obtain improved planting materials for perennial crops such as coffee, tea, cocoa, Cashew nuts and bananas from MAAIF certified nursery beds. And also source Fertilisers and herbicides from duly registered agro input dealers and stockists who have displayed registered certificates. As well as liaise with the Extension Staff to obtain a list of registered agro input dealers and stockists in their areas.
Farmers should not start planting until the rains intensify. That is, if rains come for at least two weeks consecutively. The planting should follow proper agronomic practices like spacing, line planting, and seed rate.