The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries has announced a significant policy shift. According to Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, the ministry is directing 60 to 70% of its total budget allocations towards the acquisition of mechanization and water for production equipment.
Tumwebaze disclosed this information during an interview held in conjunction with the recent handover of coffee processing machinery to coffee farmers. The minister cited limited funding amidst a growing list of priorities as the impetus for this strategic allocation. With the new policy direction, the majority of funds are now being channeled to the Parish Development Modal.
“We have many priorities with little funding, so our policy direction now is that whatever money we come across, priority will be acquiring machinery for farmers to support them across the entire value chain,” explained Tumwebaze.
Aligning with this policy directive, the ministry has initiated the distribution of more tractors to various farming communities nationwide. Distribution channels include the National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS) and the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), among others.
Tumwebaze emphasized, “Our aim is that we must, as much as possible, reduce the costs incurred by farmers when buying a tractor or establishing an irrigation facility. We shall consistently move in that direction, and that is part of our policy pledge to farmers.”
Providing additional insights, the Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry, Maj. Gen (RTD) David Kasura Kyomukama, revealed that by 2022, only 4782 tractors had been imported into the country by both the private sector and the government. In 2022 alone, the government, through MAAIF, distributed 250 tractors. In 2023, approximately 50 double axles and around 400 single axle tractors were provided to farmers.
Kyomukama detailed the productivity of the tractors, indicating that a 75 Horsepower tractor can prepare 2 ½ acres of land per hour or around 15 acres per day. Single axle tractors, designated for smallholder farmers, can prepare 8 acres per day. Notably, double axle tractors are allocated to large-scale farmers. Additionally, the equipment is complemented with accessories such as pumps, generators, and silage cutters, ensuring that farmers receive appropriate technology tailored to their specific needs.
