Farmers from different parts of Kiruhura district have reprimanded the National Drug Authority-NDA for failing to harmonize with other authority bodies in the fight against fake drugs on the market in the district.
The accusations transpired during the farmers parliament held at Ngira trading Center, Embare Parish in Kikatsi Sub County of Nyabushozi Kiruhura District on Thursday, where farmers asserted that NDA and the District Veterinary Officers have resorted to blame games instead of coming up with a joint effort in the fight against the vend of fake agronomic drugs.
“Don’t disrespect farmers, we know what to do, allow us to speak what hurts us,” one of the farmers who claimed to have lost some his cows by ticks submitted.
Dr. Grace Asiimwe the Kiruhura Veterinary Officer, challenged farmers to always seek guidance from different specialists including Agricultural officers. During the meeting, farmers raised a number of issues affecting them including fake drugs and Milk prices, collapsing cooperatives and lack of enough testing laboratories.
Among other issues that were raised during the meeting, was the issue of corrupt agricultural officers, extension workers & veterinary officers who ask for money to visit farmers.
Speaking to the press shortly after the training, one of the meeting organizers wondered why some people in government don’t want to listen to the truth.
The farmers Parliament has been initiated by Mbarara Network of Farmers’ voice, Rise Against Poverty Organization-RAP Uganda and other stakeholders to amplify agriculturalist’s grievances for redress.
