Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has distributed 70,000 cocoa seedlings to farmers in Buikwe District as part of efforts to revive the commercial crop and boost household incomes. The launch took place at Ssi-Bukunja Sub-county, where Diana Mutasingwa, Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President, urged residents to use their land productively rather than selling it for short-term returns. She highlighted how government support for cocoa and other commercial crops could provide sustainable long-term income generation.
Buikwe was historically a significant cocoa-producing area, but farmers abandoned the crop when market prices fell. Recent improvements in cocoa prices have renewed interest in production, with growers now seeking to restore their farms. Cocoa is being promoted alongside other commercial crops to diversify farmer income sources and strengthen household livelihoods.
Farmers who received seedlings welcomed the initiative but identified several challenges requiring government attention. They called for practical training in crop management and disease control, improvements to cocoa marketing systems to help them access reliable buyers, and solutions to reduce transportation costs. Land disputes were also flagged as a concern, with Ssi-Bukunja District Chairman Peter Nkungu noting that land tenure issues were disrupting farming activities.
Barbarah Komushabo, a cocoa researcher with the ministry, cautioned farmers against improper use of pesticides and agricultural chemicals, warning that incorrect application could damage crops and pose health risks. She advised growers to consult agricultural experts before applying chemicals and noted that Buikwe's soils were sufficiently fertile for cocoa production without necessarily requiring fertiliser if farmers followed appropriate practices.