📷 Work with NARO to boost quality assurance — Minister Tumwebaze

KAMPALA - The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, has urged producers and farmers to work closely with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to counteract aflatoxins.

Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that are found on agricultural crops such as maize (corn), peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts.

The main fungi that produce aflatoxins are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are abundant in warm and humid regions of the world.

Mminister Tumwebaze was specific on the key issue of young farmers being taught quality assurance to boost quality produce. (All Photos by Miriam Namutebi)

NARO holds significant importance as it enhances food security, economic growth, and livelihoods in Uganda. NARO’s research and innovations have helped to make Uganda’s agriculture more resilient and competitive.

He said whereas most farmers are struggling with quality, Naro can help them to keep improving. “I want you to team up with Naro; they know much about your problems,” he said.

Tumwebaze was the chief guest at the launch of the ninth edition of the Harvest Money Expo under the theme Farming as a Business: Value Addition and Cooperatives.

The expo is happening at the National Stadium Namboole. Thousands of people are continuing to pour into learn more about farming ideas. The minister noted that quality produce is what defines longevity and attracts foreign currencies.

Most of the producers, especially those from the Mandela millers, said there is a threat of aflatoxin that has slowly affected maize and other cereal quality.

We lose business over this; no consumer would love to die just like that through eating goods with aflatoxins,” said Samuel Musyoka, the quality assurance manager of Mandela Millers Limited.

“They cause cancer, so we hardly buy goods with such elements but also take the initiative of sensitising farmers,” he added.

The minister was specific on the key issue of young farmers being taught quality assurance to boost quality produce.

He said this could maximise their profits. He commended Vision Group for the outstanding community social responsibility to all Ugandans who greatly gain from the expo. 

This year’s expo is being sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda, Engineering Solutions Ltd. (Engsol), K-ROMA (Bella Wine), Tunga Nutrition, Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), Pepsi Cola, and aBi Development. 

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