Cocoa farmers in Mayuge District have urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) to fast-track the process of coding farmers to address longstanding challenges in the cocoa trade.
During a stakeholders' meeting that brought together farmers, cocoa companies, and district authorities, concerns were raised over cocoa hawking, theft, and price instability.
Farmers argued that the absence of a structured system has left the trade vulnerable to exploitation and irregularities.
As a first step, they resolved to impose a ban on hawking cocoa, which they blamed for market distortions.
Robert Ntende, a former Member of Parliament for Bunya South and a cocoa farmer, criticised law enforcement agencies for failing to curb cocoa-related crimes.
He noted reports of police officers misappropriating cocoa exhibits in theft cases and urged authorities to enforce existing legal provisions to prosecute offenders.
Edward Ejuu Okwaput, another stakeholder, underscored the need for coding farmers to enhance traceability and prevent individuals without cocoa plantations from infiltrating the trade.
He argued that proper registration would safeguard the business and ensure that genuine farmers reap the benefits of their labour.
Emmanuel Kawuzi Waiswa, the Cocoa Focal Person and Senior Agriculture Officer in Mayuge District, announced plans to license all cocoa dealers to curb exploitative practices.
He said the initiative aims to encourage farmers to focus on quality, enabling them to fetch better prices for their produce.
The resolutions mark a significant step toward streamlining the cocoa trade in Mayuge District and improving earnings for farmers as cocoa remains a vital economic driver in the region.
