MAAIF closes unregistered agro-input shops in Masindi
He added that the affected shops would be allowed to reopen once their owners have fulfilled all regulatory requirements.
Masindi: The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has closed approximately ten agro-input shops in Masindi Town for operating without valid licenses and failing to meet regulatory standards.
The closures were confirmed by Lawrence Ongom, an Agricultural Inspector at MAAIF, during a media briefing held at the office of the Masindi District Agricultural Officer on Friday.
Ongom said the crackdown is part of a nationwide operation targeting unregistered and non-compliant agro-input businesses.
“Most of the shops we inspected lacked proper documentation, such as valid operating certificates. Others were operating with expired licenses,” Ongom stated.
He added that the affected shops would be allowed to reopen once their owners have fulfilled all regulatory requirements.
The ministry emphasized that the operation is aimed at protecting farmers from counterfeit and substandard agro-inputs, which have been linked to crop failure and loss of income across the country.
Patrick Okello, from MAAIF’s Department of Inspections and Certification, urged district agricultural officers nationwide to intensify routine inspections to prevent the proliferation of unsafe agricultural products on the market.
Meanwhile, Job Byaruhanga, the Masindi District Agricultural Officer, said the operation will continue across the district.
He highlighted growing concerns over the number of agro-input dealers operating without proper training on the safe handling and use of agrochemicals.
“Very few agro-input dealers attend the ministry’s trainings on safe agrochemical use. This gap in knowledge puts farmers at serious risk,” Byaruhanga warned.
Farmers and agricultural stakeholders in Masindi have welcomed the enforcement action, noting that it will enhance the quality and safety of agricultural inputs in the region.
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