Farmers and agricultural experts have raised alarms about the increasing reliance on hybrid and imported technology seeds, warning that this trend poses a significant threat to the country’s independence, culture, and traditions.
Denis Tabaro, the founding director of the African Institute for Culture and Ecology, expressed these concerns during a media training session organized by Seatini Uganda on August 14, 2024.
The training was centered on the theme: “The Role of Community Seed Knowledge and Indigenous Seed Practices Towards Fostering Food Sovereignty and Protection of Bio-Cultural Diversity.”
Tabaro highlighted that while farmers have been led to believe that high-yield hybrid seeds are more productive, they often overlook the substantial costs associated with them.
According to Tabaro, the shift from indigenous seeds to improved varieties has been detrimental. He noted that, in addition to the high expense of purchasing these seeds, the chemicals used as fertilizers and pesticides not only provide short-term financial relief but also contribute to environmental degradation. He urged the government to assist local farmers in producing organic manure and finding markets for their products to ensure their sustainability.
“Farmers engaged in indigenous farming require manure. For instance, to enhance soil quality for an acre of land, approximately ten lorries of manure are needed each year, which many farmers cannot afford. Access to soft loans or subsidies for locally sourced manure, such as cow dung or chicken droppings, would make a significant difference,” Tabaro stated.
Tabaro also emphasized that indigenous seeds represent more than mere crops; they are integral to cultural identity and heritage. Unfortunately, discussions about these connections are often dismissed. He called for a shift in mindset among farmers to recognize the intrinsic value of indigenous seeds, which intertwine food with culture and identity.
The costs associated with mitigating the impacts of modern agricultural practices, particularly the excessive use of pesticides, are also considerable, further complicating the situation for farmers.
