The dairy sector has experienced a substantial 37% increase in milk production, rising from 2.81 billion litres in FY 2020/21 to 3.85 billion litres in FY 2022/23.
However, amid this success, concerns have emerged regarding the threat to dairy farmers’ incomes due to the widespread use of counterfeit drugs and ineffective pest control chemicals.
During the release of the dairy sector’s annual report for FY 2022/23, Bright Rwamirama, the Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, announced the growth in milk production. The minister anticipates even more growth if farmers adopt high-yielding breeds through measures such as artificial insermination and focus on improved animal feeding and health.
Despite the sector’s growth, challenges persist, including the intermittent closure and limitation of Ugandan dairy products in Kenya, which is Uganda’s primary export market.
Rwamirama also expressed concerns about the impact of counterfeit drugs. “Counterfeit drugs and acaricides have significantly affected the dairy sector, particularly when farmers have to invest substantial amounts in treating tick-borne diseases with ineffective drugs,” he stated.
The state minister highlighted government initiatives to address these challenges, including the development of vaccines by the National Agricultural Research Organization. He referenced ongoing anti-tick vaccine trials as part of efforts to replace the prevalent use of counterfeit drugs.
Upon successful completion, the anti-tick vaccine will be provided to farmers, revolutionizing the approach to tick-borne diseases.
“We are also working to enhance the quality and availability of high-yielding dairy breeds. This is being piloted through community breeding,” Rwamirama disclosed.
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