The Ministry of Agricultural, Animal Industry, and Fisheries has urged Ugandans to embrace modern, sustainable agricultural practices to achieve food security for everyone.
Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, the Minister of State for Agriculture, urged the public to work with the private sector and continue investing in agroprocessing and value addition in order to advance nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food safety systems.
Kyakulaga made the remarks from the Uganda Media Centre on Monday, October 14, 2024, while addressing the media on the commemoration of the 44th World Food Day.
He said that the commemoration is a moment to reflect on the progress Uganda has made in the fight against hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition.
According to Kyakulaga, Uganda has made great strides in agriculture, which continues to be the main driver of the nation’s GDP, accounting for 24% and providing jobs for 70% of the workforce.
“Increased Agricultural Production: With the promotion of improved seed varieties that are disease- and pest-resistant, we have seen increased resilience against climate shocks. Crops such as coffee, beans, maize, cassava, groundnuts, millet, and rice, among others, are now yielding higher,” he said.
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He further emphasized the use of irrigation, which enables farmers to produce food year-round, independent of seasonal rainfall, and mechanization hubs have made farming more efficient, empowering farmers across the country.
“Other significant strides to ensure food security included strategic interventions in Fisheries and Aquaculture, post-harvest management and value addition, and agricultural research and innovation,” Kyakulaga noted.
He, however, said that unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and floods are already signs of climate change’s effects, which he said pose a serious threat to food production.
The minister said that in order to lessen these effects, the government is dedicated to boosting investments in climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, and sustainable water usage.
“We also need to address malnutrition, especially among vulnerable groups, such as children and women. The government will continue to promote the cultivation and consumption of nutritious food, ensuring that every Ugandan can lead a healthy and productive life,” he added.
This year’s theme is Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future. The event will be hosted at the National Agricultural Research Organization’s (NARO) National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) in Serere district.
