Business
Uganda Launches Maize Productivity Drive to Boost Farmer Incomes
Business·19 Jun 2026·3 min read·The Insight
A new government-backed initiative is distributing improved seed varieties and training to smallholder farmers across central and northern Uganda, aiming to double maize yields by 2028.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has launched a nationwide maize productivity programme targeting over 200,000 smallholder farmers. The initiative provides subsidized access to drought-resistant hybrid seed varieties, fertilizer, and hands-on agronomy training through extension officers stationed in each district.
Officials say the average Ugandan maize farmer currently harvests roughly 1.5 tonnes per hectare, well below the regional potential of 4 to 5 tonnes. The programme aims to close that gap by pairing better inputs with practical training on spacing, timing, and post-harvest storage to reduce losses.
Early pilot results from Masindi and Kapchorwa districts showed yield increases of up to 60% among participating farmers. The government plans to scale the programme to all 146 districts by the end of 2027, with support from regional development partners.