ARUA FARMERS WARNED AGAINST MISUSING OWC MAIZE SEEDS

(L-R) Arua district technical and political leaders handing over the maize supplies to representatives of beneficiaries during the flag off on Tuesday, photo by Morish Dramadri

By Morish Dramadri

Arua city

Agricultural stakeholders in Arua District have cautioned beneficiaries of the 10 tonnes of maize seed supplied under the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) programme to make maximum use of the inputs to improve food security, increase household incomes, and boost agricultural productivity, citing the readily available market for agricultural produce.

The 10 tonnes of Gagawala hybrid maize seed, supplied by East African Seeds and targeting approximately 1,000 acres of land in Arua District, form part of the nationwide distribution of agricultural inputs under the Operation Wealth Creation programme.

The initiative, launched by the Government of Uganda, seeks to transform subsistence households into commercial producers through the provision of quality agricultural inputs, promotion of modern farming practices, increased household incomes, enhanced food security, and wealth creation.

While flagging off the distribution of the seeds on Tuesday, Nelson Adile, the Arua District Agricultural Officer, urged beneficiaries to follow recommended agronomic practices, including the proper use of fertilizers and planting maize as a pure stand, in order to maximize yields.

“These maize seeds will perform when all the other agronomic practices are ensured. This requires the use of fertilizers. We are looking at one thousand acres for the ten tonnes. Those who are going to plant should plant as a pure stand. Nothing like mixing this with beans or soya. No,” Adile advised.

Operation Wealth Creation has over the years supplied farmers across the country with a range of agricultural inputs, including coffee seedlings, cassava cuttings, citrus seedlings, cashew nuts, beans, and soya beans, among others.

However, local leaders note that the impact of such interventions is sometimes undermined by beneficiaries who either sell, consume, or fail to properly utilize the inputs provided.

Maj. Emmanuel Andrua, the Arua District Operation Wealth Creation Coordinator, warned beneficiaries against selling or consuming the maize seed, emphasizing that the inputs are intended to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.

“The seeds are not for sale, and they are not for consumption. They are supposed to be planted to transform the lives of our people and lift them out of poverty. After planting, there is going to be vigorous follow-up,” Maj. Andrua warned.

Meanwhile, Arua Deputy Resident District Commissioner Denis Jawoko cautioned programme supervisors against compromising the distribution process to favour particular individuals, calling for transparency and adherence to programme guidelines.

“The leaders and lower supervisors should not compromise the mode of distribution. Let people benefit from this programme on merit,” Jawoko said.

On his part, Arua District Chairman Hon. Cosmas Ayikobua called for a change in mindset towards agriculture as a sustainable solution to the growing food insecurity challenge in the district.

“We cannot fight poverty in Arua District without transforming agriculture. Food security in Arua District is at stake, and we must change our mindset towards agriculture,” Ayikobua noted.

According to district authorities, the 10 tonnes of maize seed have been distributed across four lower local governments and special interest groups in Arua District.

Vurra Town Council received 3,000 kilograms, Ajia Sub-county received 2,700 kilograms, Logiri Sub-county received 2,100 kilograms, Arivu Sub-county received 1,800 kilograms, while 400 kilograms were allocated to special interest groups.

With an estimated population of 159,742 people, district leaders believe the maize seed distribution will contribute significantly to food production if beneficiaries utilize the inputs as intended. The initiative is expected to strengthen household food security, increase marketable surplus, and support the government’s broader objective of achieving agricultural-led socio-economic transformation.