Govt Flags Off Free Fertilizer for Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Farmers to Boost Yields

MAAIF officials launching the distribution of fertiliser supplied by M/s ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has officially launched the distribution of fertiliser supplied by M/s ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda, marking a significant step in Government’s efforts to restore soil fertility, increase agricultural productivity and improve farmers’ incomes.

The launch, held at MAAIF Headquarters in Entebbe, is being implemented under a Presidential Directive to support farmers engaged in strategic and high-value agricultural enterprises, particularly coffee, tea and cocoa.

Under the programme, MAAIF has procured 173,913 bags of fertiliser from ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda for distribution to targeted farmers.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, said the intervention is part of Government’s broader commitment to transforming agriculture through increased productivity, evidence-based farming and improved access to critical agricultural inputs.

Hon. Tumwebaze emphasised the importance of precision agriculture, urging farmers to embrace soil testing and apply the right fertiliser to the right crop, in the right quantity and at the right time.

“We are entering a new era of farming where decisions must be guided by evidence. Farmers need to apply the right input, in the right quantity and at the right time if we are to achieve higher productivity and better incomes,” Hon. Tumwebaze said.

He further called for continued prioritisation of smallholder farmers, noting that Government interventions should focus on farmers who need support most.

The Permanent Secretary of MAAIF, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, said the intervention addresses Uganda’s persistently low fertiliser use and declining soil fertility, which continue to constrain agricultural productivity.

He noted that Uganda’s fertiliser use remains low at approximately 2–3 kilogrammes per hectare, compared to the continental average of 22 kilogrammes and the Abuja target of 50 kilogrammes per hectare.

“This launch is not merely ceremonial. It is a practical intervention to restore soil fertility, increase productivity and enable our farmers to participate more fully in the money economy,” Maj. Gen. Kasura-Kyomukama said.

He said the Ministry is putting in place a distribution system based on speed, proximity and accountability, ensuring that fertiliser is delivered closer to farmers while safeguarding against diversion.

“There will be no fees, no charges and no diversion. These fertilisers are a Government intervention and must reach the farmers for whom they are intended,” he said.

The State Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Desire Muhooza, welcomed the launch, describing it as an important step in fulfilling Government’s commitment to supporting farmers.

She said the initial consignment would benefit farmers and farmer groups engaged in coffee, tea, cocoa and other strategic agricultural enterprises, with eligible beneficiaries receiving the fertiliser at no cost.

“This is an important day for our farmers. We are grateful to His Excellency the President for supporting this intervention and ensuring that farmers in strategic agricultural value chains can access these critical inputs,” Hon. Muhooza said.

She encouraged farmers to use the fertiliser appropriately and work closely with extension workers to maximise its benefits.

The launch was also attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, alongside other senior officials from MAAIF, Government institutions, local government and agricultural stakeholders, highlighting the Ministry’s coordinated approach to supporting Uganda’s agricultural transformation.

Representing ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda, Mr. Bigirimana reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working with Government to ensure timely delivery of fertiliser to designated districts.

He said ITRACOM would go beyond supplying the fertiliser by supporting farmers with the knowledge required for its proper application.

“Our commitment is clear: we will ensure that the fertiliser reaches the designated districts as guided by the Ministry, while providing the necessary knowledge and support to enable farmers to achieve optimal results,” Mr. Bigirimana said.

He commended Government for creating an enabling environment for local fertiliser production and appreciated the support of the President, MAAIF, Ministry of Finance, Operation Wealth Creation and other Government agencies.

The Ministry has put in place measures to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the distribution process. These include verified beneficiary lists, proper documentation, secure delivery points, immediate distribution and reporting at district and parish levels.

The fertiliser will be clearly marked “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale”, and beneficiaries will not be required to pay for it under this intervention.

MAAIF will also undertake follow-up activities to assess how the fertiliser is being utilised, its impact on crop productivity and the challenges encountered by farmers. The findings will help inform future agricultural input-support programmes.

The launch represents another step in Uganda’s agricultural transformation agenda, with Government working alongside the private sector, local governments, extension workers and farmers to restore soil fertility, raise productivity, increase household incomes and strengthen food and nutrition security.

“When Government invests in agriculture, the ultimate measure of success must be what happens in the farmer’s garden, on the farm and in the household,” Maj. Gen. Kasura-Kyomukama said.