Government Distributes 70,000 Cocoa Seedlings to Buikwe Farmers

What the report says

The Ugandan government has begun distributing 70,000 cocoa seedlings to farmers in Buikwe District, according to Nile Post, in an effort to restore cocoa production, strengthen household incomes and encourage more investment in agriculture. The launch took place at Ssi-Bukunja Sub-county headquarters and was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.

The initiative comes after years of declining cocoa prices led some growers to abandon the crop and cut down their trees. With prices now improving, officials say there is renewed interest in rebuilding cocoa farms in an area once known for the crop. Diana Mutasingwa, the Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President and Buikwe Woman MP, urged residents to keep their land for productive use rather than selling it, and said commercial farming could provide longer-term benefits for families.

Farmers who received the seedlings welcomed the support but said seed distribution alone would not be enough. They asked for stronger extension services, practical training on crop management and disease control, and better access to reliable buyers and collection centres. Some also raised concern about land grabbing and ownership disputes, saying these problems can limit agricultural expansion.

A cocoa researcher with the ministry’s cocoa desk also cautioned farmers against misuse of chemicals and said proper agronomic practices remain important. More broadly, the report suggests the government is pairing input distribution with a push to revive cocoa as a commercial crop and diversify rural livelihoods in Buikwe.