Kampala — UGANDA'S milk production reduced at least by 25% between May and August, the Dairy Development Authority indicated last week, reports Chris Magezi.

Musa Kibula, the principle dairy officer, attributed the low production to prolonged dry season. "The change in climate has greatly affected milk production leading to lack of pastures, water and death of animals in some regions like Nakasongola," he explained.

"There has been a highly significant reduction in milk production in all milk producing areas in countrywide." Kibula disclosed that the reduction in dairy production was influenced by the poor farming methods.

"This great decline is backed up by inadequate funding to extension workers by the Government," he said. He advised farmers to form cooperatives to cover up the big gap between milk supply and demand.

"With this, farmers can easily find solutions to their problems like proper storage facilities for milk, water and pastures," Kibula advised. "They can get easy access to loans, improve on animal breeds, train managers through demonstration farm visits. There is also a need to improve infrastructure and widened the market," he said.