Food supply is expected to be higher than the same time last year. Although staple food prices are expected to remain slightly above average, they will remain within levels that allow for near-normal food access.
The increase in Cassava production in Nwoya, according to Ochaya is not accidental. He says this is part of the fruits of the Cassava ordinance passed by Nwoya district Local government in 2013.
The army worm whose presence has already been felt in Uganda is a new pest in Africa, preferring maize plants, but feeds on sorghum, millet, vegetables and other crops as well.
Sam Kigula, the Nakasongola LC V Chairman, says when districts are attacked by the pests, the Central government takes long to intervene, which leaves the farmers crying foul. He says although the fund may not be sufficient, it is a positive step to reduce loses.
A source at Ministry told Uganda Radio Network that National Agriculture Research Organisation NARO has successfully tested the pesticides on gardens in Kakiri, Wakiso district, and found that they could control the fall army worms by about 70 if properly applied.
The small warm, Tuta absoluta also known as South American tomato pinworm is said to be ravaging the tomato crop in central parts of the country. It is also causing yield loss to Irish potatoes in the Kigezi region though it has not caused alarm like the maize ravaging fall armyworm.
The experts from the Crop Protection Directorate expect to learn from Zambia how to control the spread of the fall armyworm now said to have invaded over twenty districts across the country.
