NAADS to investigate Sunflower seeds distributed by Ngetta tropical holdings

Otuke

By Denish Ongora (denish.ongora@vol.co.ug)

The National Agricultural Advisory Services-NAADS will send a team of experts to test the viability of sunflower seeds which were distributed to famers of Otuke district by Ngetta Tropical Holdings after reports merged that the seeds failed to germinate.

NAADS contracted Ngetta Tropical Holdings to distribute 8000kgs of Agsun sunflower seeds worth 640 million shillings to cooperative societies in Otuke district.

The chairperson of Okwang cooperative society Joel Obua said they realized only between 35-40% germinability of the seeds and most famers have complained of their poor germination.

Bua said they want NAADS to distribute new seeds to them next year since the planting season has elapsed.

Dr. Aben Charles the in charge crop development at NAADS secretariat said they have received the complaints from farmers and they will send a team to Ngetta Tropical Holdings to investigate the matter.

The proprietor of Ngetta Tropical Holdings also Otuke County MP Paul Omara by press time said he was driving and could not comment on the matter.

The Seeds were distributed as part of plans by government to boost oil seed production in Northern Uganda.

Under this project, farmers pay 30% of the cost per kilo of seeds which cost 80.000/= per kilo each.

Ngetta Tropical Holdings distributed the sunflower seeds to cooperative societies which include; East Lango, Adwari, Okwang, Orum and Acan Kwoilwete; with each cooperative society receiving 1600kg.