By APN.
apearlnews.com
Farmers from different parts of Kiruhura district have castigated the National Drug Authority-NDA and other authorities, accusing them of the blame game in the fight against fake drugs and other interventions to boost farming and agriculture.
While attending Farmers’ Parliament in Ngira trading center Embare parish Kikatsi sub-county in Nyabushozi Kiruhura district on January 13, 2022, farmers disclosed that NDA and authorities like District Veterinary Officers-DVOs have resorted to blaming them claiming that they don’t mix animal drugs well, instead of competently doing their job.
“Don’t disrespect farmers. We know what to do. Allow us to speak what hurts us,” a farmer from the neighboring Kashongi county whose cows were killed by ticks submitted.
According to Dr. Asiimwe Grace who’s the DVO Kiruhura, farmers should seek guidance from different specialists including agricultural officers.
While addressing journalists, Kabatereine Robert, one of the organizers of Farmers’ Parliament expressed concern over how some people in the government don’t want to be told the truth.
“It’s all about issues affecting farmers. Fake drugs, milk prices, etc,” he explained.
Farmers raised concerns including fake drugs, collapsing cooperatives, price fluctuation, lack of enough testing laboratories, some corrupt agricultural officers, extension workers & veterinary officers who ask for money to visit farmers, disunity, among others.
Farmers’ Parliament has been started by the Mbarara Network of Farmers’ voice, Rise Against Poverty Organization-RAP Uganda, and other stakeholders to support sensitization, ensure that farmers’ issues are raised & addressed by relevant authorities.
