Rubanda farmers receive hybrid maize seeds ahead of planting season

Farmers in Rubanda District have received hybrid maize seeds as part of an initiative by District Woman Member of Parliament Evelyne Ninsiima Kikafunda. The goal is to increase food production and household incomes. The distribution was launched at Bubaare Sub-county headquarters and covered Bubaare, Hamurwa, Ikumba and Ruhija sub-counties. Each sub-county received 400 kilogrammes of hybrid maize seeds for selected farmers.

Speaking on behalf of Kikafunda, Francine Turyazayo, the Woman District Councillor for Hamuhambo Town Council and Bubaare Sub-county, urged beneficiaries to plant the seeds rather than sell or consume them. Turyazayo emphasized that the seeds were of good quality and advised farmers to follow proper farming practices to obtain better yields. She warned that selling the seeds for immediate financial gain would defeat the purpose of the distribution.

Moses Ndamira, a resident of Nyungu Village in Kashenyi Parish, welcomed the seeds as farmers prepared for the planting season. He acknowledged that food shortages could tempt some households to consume the seeds but urged them to plant instead. Ndamira also encouraged farmers who register good harvests to share seeds with other community members.

Beneficiaries, including Dinah Tusasibwe, Prima Turinawe and Jackson Mareju of Buremba Village, reported that prolonged sunshine had damaged crops they had planted earlier. They thanked Kikafunda for providing the seeds, saying the distribution would enable them to plant again following the losses.

James Bagubwa, Kikafunda's coordinator, explained that the programme aims to address food shortages and poverty by supporting farmers to increase production. He urged beneficiaries to plant the seeds, maintain their gardens and use the harvests to feed their families and earn an income. Bagubwa also encouraged farmers to save and share suitable planting material from future harvests with those who had not benefited from the distribution.

The distribution of hybrid maize seeds is part of a broader effort to support farmers in Uganda. The country has been experiencing food shortages and poverty, particularly in rural areas. By providing farmers with high-quality seeds and encouraging proper farming practices, the initiative hopes to improve food security and household incomes.

The impact of the programme will be closely monitored, and its success could lead to similar initiatives in other districts. For now, the farmers of Rubanda District are set to benefit from the hybrid maize seeds and the expertise of Kikafunda's team. The programme's goal of increasing food production and household incomes is a step towards addressing the country's food security challenges.

Key points

• The hybrid maize seeds distribution aims to increase food production and household incomes among farmers in Rubanda District.