The initiative seeks to revive cocoa production in Buikwe following years of declining prices that drove some farmers to abandon the crop, as growers call for better extension services and reliable markets.
The government has launched the distribution of 70,000 cocoa seedlings to farmers in Buikwe District in a bid to revive production of the commercial crop, improve household incomes and promote agricultural investment.
The exercise, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), was launched at Ssi-Bukunja Sub-county headquarters, where farmers welcomed the initiative but called for additional support in disease management, agricultural extension services and access to reliable markets.
Diana Mutasingwa, the Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President, urged residents to preserve their land and use it for productive agricultural activities rather than selling it.
She said government support for commercial crops such as cocoa presented an opportunity for households to generate sustainable incomes and improve their livelihoods.
Mutasingwa, who is also Buikwe Woman Member of Parliament, expressed concern about young people who sell family land inherited from their parents and spend the proceeds on ventures that may not generate lasting returns, including buying motorcycles commonly known as boda bodas.
She encouraged families to retain their land for farming, arguing that agriculture could provide long-term economic benefits.
The minister also urged residents to change how they engage their political leaders, saying they should prioritise demands for public services over requests for personal financial assistance.
She encouraged communities to lobby for agricultural inputs, better roads, healthcare facilities and improved education services, which benefit entire communities rather than individuals.
Buikwe was previously known for cocoa cultivation, but declining market prices prompted some farmers to abandon the crop and cut down their trees. The recent improvement in cocoa prices has, however, renewed interest in production, with some growers seeking to rebuild their farms.
Robert Byakatonda Salongo, one of the farmers who turned up to receive the seedlings, said he arrived early to benefit from the government initiative, expressing hope that cocoa farming would once again become profitable.
Other beneficiaries thanked the government for the intervention, saying it offered them an opportunity to restore their farms and increase household incomes.
However, they urged the government to complement seedling distribution with practical training by agricultural experts, particularly in crop management and the prevention and control of diseases affecting cocoa plants.
The farmers also called for improvements in the cocoa marketing system, citing difficulties in finding reliable buyers and accessing collection centres.
They said some traders travel to villages to purchase cocoa, while others require farmers to transport their produce over long distances to reach markets, increasing costs and potentially reducing the prices growers receive.
Ssi-Bukunja District Chairman Peter Nkungu raised concerns about land grabbing, saying land disputes were disrupting farming activities on large estates and limiting opportunities for agricultural expansion.
He said resolving ownership disputes was important to enable farmers to invest in cocoa cultivation and other commercial agricultural enterprises.
The concerns highlight the need to address land tenure challenges alongside efforts to promote commercial farming in communities where agriculture remains a major source of livelihood.
Barbarah Komushabo, a cocoa researcher working with the ministry's cocoa desk, cautioned farmers against improper use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, warning that unsuitable products or incorrect application methods could harm both farmers and their crops.
Komushabo said Buikwe's soils were sufficiently fertile for cocoa production and that farmers did not necessarily need to apply fertilisers if they followed appropriate agronomic practices.
She urged growers to consult agricultural experts before applying chemicals to ensure they use appropriate products and methods, adding that improper application could damage crops and expose farmers to health risks.
Ministry officials encouraged farmers to take advantage of opportunities in the global cocoa market, saying the government's investment in the crop was intended to help households benefit from its income-generating potential.
Cocoa is among the commercial crops being promoted to diversify farmers' income sources and strengthen household livelihoods.