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The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in Uganda has requested a sum of Shs660 billion to address food security issues in the country. A report from the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has recommended Shs400 billion to be used for boosting production and establishing food reserves. The report was presented by Committee Chairperson, Hon. Janet Okori-Moe, who stated that the funding would create reliable mechanisms for handling food crises. The Minister of State for Animal Industry, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, also highlighted the ministry’s struggle to preserve indigenous crop species that are drought-resistant and have indigenous animal genes.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in Uganda has requested a sum of Shs660 billion to address food security issues in the country. A report from the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has recommended Shs400 billion to be used for boosting production and establishing food reserves. The report was presented by Committee Chairperson, Hon. Janet Okori-Moe, who stated that the funding would create reliable mechanisms for handling food crises. The Minister of State for Animal Industry, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, also highlighted the ministry’s struggle to preserve indigenous crop species that are drought-resistant and have indigenous animal genes.

Hon Okorie Moe said the required funding is aimed at putting in place reliable mechanisms for handling food crises as opposed to emergency responses adopted by the government.

The Minister of State for Animal Industry, Hon. Bright Rwamirama said the ministry is struggling to preserve indigenous crop species that are drought-resistant and have indigenous animal genes. “There is a deliberate effort at NARO to preserve indigenous genes and crop species; we host a regional gene centre for 21 countries but we have not done well, both in conservation and research,” said Hon. Rwamirama.