Uganda Crop Care asks Gov’t to Ban Importers  of counterfeit agrochemicals, fertilizers

Uganda Crop Care Limited (UCCL) a leading importer, and distributor of agrochemicals, fertilizers and other farm inputs in Uganda has appealed to the Ugandan government to ban importers and sellers of counterfeit agro -products.

The company says this is the only way many people will shun these fake agro inputs and chemicals.

Ssengendo Alex Lawrence , a sales manager at UCCL incharge of Eastern Uganda says that whereas there are laws against counterfeits, they are not enforced properly in addition to the fair punishments suggesting that companies and individuals implicated in the vice should atleat be banned from the business for five years.

‘’In my opinion I would bring this suggestion to the government if they can establish an information collection center where whistleblowers can report counterfeit products then the government carries out a probe on such products. If the government establishes that what the farmers reported was correct , the best way is to ban that supplier from importing anything and in a period of five years the sector will have streamlined’’, said Ssengendo.

He said farmers should consider sticking to branded products from antithetic suppliers and importers like UCCL ,but people just register and import products without ascertaining what they sell.

Sharad Singh – Executive Director & Country Head at UCCL their company is the leading importer, and distributor of agrochemicals, fertilizers and other farm inputs in Uganda because their supply of products meet the highest standards in production, quality, safety and service.

UCCL , which is headquartered at Bata Compound, 5th Street Industrial area, Kampala , in the Agro-chemicals segment, they are the Authorised Distributors for some of the world renowned manufacturers including ; Bayer, BASF, Syngenta, Chemtura, Sumitomo, DuPont, Aryta, Cheminova to name a few. UCCL services the entire Agricultural Sector namely Sugar, Tea, Coffee, Tobacco, Cotton, Horticulture and Floriculture. Our products include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, molluscicides, nematicides, inoculants, biologicals, growth regulators, seed treatment, foliar and field grade fertilizers and sprayers.

Experts say illegal pesticides have serious harmful effects on both the environment and human health in developing countries. Firstly, these pesticides are often manufactured without any regulatory oversight and are made with toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health. This results in exposure to these toxic chemicals through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion, leading to health problems such as respiratory problems, neurological damage, birth defects, and even death.

In developing countries, farmers face a high risk of exposure due to the use of toxic chemicals or counterfeit pesticides whose use is either banned or restricted in other countries

Aimed at becoming the leading Agro-Inputs Supplier in Uganda by serving all farmers in the agricultural sector, UCCL is dedicated to serve farmers on all scales by providing original, reliable and latest premium quality Agro inputs.

‘’We believe in delivering optimum quality food for a better world through outstanding crop solutions and take pride in meeting our commitments to our stakeholders’’, added officials at UCCL.

Micheal Abigaba , an agronomist at UCCL said the company has a Countrywide Coverage where its network of agronomists and specialist advisors enable them to provide tailored and practical solutions countrywide.

They also offer effective farmers training delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise and group work.

UCCL also provides consultancy in Agro production. The consultancy services range from training to farmer support on all aspects of crop production; agronomically and technically.The team of agronomists is made up of experienced agricultural professionals in horticulture, crop protection, agribusiness, crop production standards and certification.