The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has launched Zonal Inspection and Certification Centres in Mukono District, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the regulation of agricultural inputs and ensuring farmers access high-quality seeds, agrochemicals, and other farm supplies.
Established under the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification (DCIC), the centres are part of the government’s broader plan to decentralize regulatory services, bringing them closer to communities and eliminating counterfeit inputs that have long affected farmer productivity.
Through this zoning approach, farmers will now receive faster and more accurate services related to inspection, certification, and quality assurance.
During a sensitization meeting in Mukono attended by extension workers, agricultural officials, and farmers, officials emphasized the urgent need to eliminate substandard inputs from the market and guide farmers on proper use of certified seeds and agrochemicals.
The launch is expected to reduce farmers’ dependence on middlemen, many of whom have been linked to supplying fake products, and ensure access to genuine, approved inputs.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono, Principal Assistant CAO Mr Daniel Kamara encouraged farmers to take advantage of the new centres and seek certification for their farm products.
He urged farmers to avoid informal channels and instead utilize the centres for authentic information and regulatory services that guarantee quality production.
Mr. Kamara also called on extension workers to take a frontline role in guiding farmers on the recommended seeds, pesticides, and other inputs needed to improve yields and strengthen market competitiveness.
Representing the Resident District Commissioner, Deputy RDC Mr Moses Muyambi pledged full government support for DCIC activities in Mukono.
He emphasized that agriculture remains a permanent and leading business in Uganda, requiring strong regulation to protect farmers from counterfeit products.
He further urged the Ministry to explore decentralizing services down to sub-county level to make them even more accessible to rural farmers.
Dr Sam Alexander, a senior agricultural inspector from DCIC, explained that the zoning initiative is designed to increase farmer awareness on the proper application of agrochemicals, safe use of inputs, and compliance with quality standards.
He noted that improved quality assurance will boost the value of Ugandan agricultural products both locally and internationally.
Mukono District is among the first to benefit from this decentralized approach, which is expected to curb the influence of unscrupulous dealers and strengthen trust in the agricultural input chain.
Officials expressed optimism that the centres will improve farmers’ access to reliable services and enhance overall productivity.
The establishment of the Zonal Inspection and Certification Centres marks a major milestone in safeguarding agriculture in Mukono District.
By bringing services closer to farmers, the government aims to eliminate counterfeit inputs, promote the adoption of certified products, and increase agricultural output.
If fully utilized, the initiative is expected to improve food security, raise household incomes, and enhance the competitiveness of Uganda’s agricultural produce in regional and global markets.
