Cabinet has given the green light to a proposal for the establishment of a Food and Agricultural Authority, as announced by Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries. This authority will be responsible for matters related to food, with the aim of enhancing food security and safety in the country.
Tumwebaze expressed that this authority is a long-awaited solution to the issues of food security and safety. It is expected to reinforce the efforts in place to make the nation food-secure. He stated, “The Authority will strengthen the work of the National Drugs Authority and National Bureau of Standards to ensure our food security.”
The Minister made this announcement during his presentation on World Food Day, which took place on October 16, 2023, under the theme “Water is life, water is food, leave no one behind.” He also informed the Members of Parliament about new crop varieties developed by scientists at the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) with the objective of increasing food production.
Among these new crop varieties, two maize types, Naromaize 63 PVA, enriched with Vitamin A, and Naromaize 64STR with resistance to striga, were highlighted. Additionally, two sweet potato varieties with orange flesh rich in vitamin A, suitable for food and confectionery industries, were mentioned. The Minister also talked about a new rice variety suitable for low-lying areas and a pasture variety rich in proteins, offering a cost-effective alternative to soybeans as animal feed.
Minister Tumwebaze commended NARO for their scientific achievements and invited the Parliament to visit NARO laboratories. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa accepted the invitation and announced plans for a visit with a team comprising the chairpersons of various committees related to agriculture.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa raised concerns about the importation of pesticides banned in Western countries due to their adverse health effects, including cancer. He called on Tumwebaze to oversee this matter to protect public health.
Vice President Jessica Alupo stressed the importance of monitoring pesticide use, emphasizing its role in causing various diseases. She also requested an update on the production of an anti-tick vaccine that has been budgeted for over the years.
Members of Parliament (MPs) urged the Minister to formulate a sustainable plan for water storage and safety, as the responsibility has long rested on their shoulders. Hon. Juliet Kinyamatama, Rakai District Woman Representative, called for a comprehensive water supply policy and warned that the absence of water provision in the Parish Development Model (PDM) would negatively impact food security.
