The agricultural sector is the backbone of Uganda’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of people.
However, the industry is facing a significant threat from counterfeit agro-inputs, which can have devastating consequences for farmers, the economy, and the country’s food security at large.
According to Joern Kraegeloh, the Managing Director of Bayer East Africa, fake agro-inputs are not just a nuisance to the farmers, but are also a huge threat to Uganda’s economy.
Risks of Counterfeit Agro-Inputs
Speaking at the CropLife Uganda Inaugural Symposium recently, Kraegeloh revealed that counterfeit agro-inputs, such as pesticides and fertilisers, can pose significant risks to farmers, including:
Reduced crop yields
Fake agro-inputs can be ineffective or even harmful to crops, leading to reduced yields and lower quality produce.
Financial losses
Farmers who purchase counterfeit agro-inputs can suffer significant financial losses, which can impact their livelihoods and ability to invest in their farms.
Food safety risks
Counterfeit agro-inputs can also pose risks to food safety, potentially leading to contamination and harm to consumers.
Simple Solution: Scratch Codes with SMS Verification
Kraegeloh proposed a simple and affordable solution to combat counterfeit agro-inputs: scratch codes with SMS verification. This system, he said, would work as follows:
Unique codes: Each product would have a unique code that farmers can scratch to reveal.
SMS verification: Farmers would send the code via SMS to verify the product’s authenticity.
Offline functionality: The system would not require internet connectivity, making it accessible to farmers in rural areas.
“If the code is scratched, walk away. That’s your sign that what you are about to buy is fake,” Kraegeloh said.
“This isn’t future tech. It’s practical protection for every farmer. And it’s already working elsewhere,” he added.
Benefits for Farmers
The scratch code system would provide several benefits for farmers, including:
Reduced risk of buying fake products
Farmers would be able to verify the authenticity of agro-inputs before purchasing, reducing the risk of buying counterfeit products.
Increased confidence
The system would give farmers confidence in the products they purchase, allowing them to make informed decisions about their farm inputs.
Improved crop yields
By using genuine agro-inputs, farmers would be more likely to achieve better crop yields and improve their livelihoods.
The threat of counterfeit agro-inputs is a significant challenge facing Uganda’s agricultural sector.
However, as Kraegeloh reiterates, with a digital solution like scratch codes with SMS verification, farmers can be protected from the risks associated with fake products.
By adopting this technology, he contends, Uganda can take a significant step towards ensuring the authenticity of agro-inputs, improving crop yields, and promoting economic growth.