Approximately 85-grain millers under Kisenyi Millers Association (KMA) have been trained grain on proper grain handling, by avoiding aflatoxins.
The Training by the East African Grain Council (EAGC) in collaboration with Makerere University and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) aimed at extending adverse knowledge about aflatoxins and ways through which they can be narrowed down.
“At first they didn’t know about aflatoxins but after numerous pieces of training, the majority have the knowledge about it,” Paul Ochuna the Team leader of EAGC said adding that,
“Aflatoxins which came in the limelight after Kenya blocked our maize from crossing to their country, triggered the initiative of conducting numerous pieces of training to all stakeholders including grain millers.”
Aflatoxins are among the most poisonous mycotoxins and can grow in the soil as well as on foodstuffs.
Ochuna said the training was necessary given the fact that KMA is among the lead grain dealers who also handle close to 70% of the grain consumed in Kampala.
Under the East African Community’s common market – which all three countries belong – safe rules have been set for aflatoxins in maize. These vary from one jurisdiction to another.
Makerere University representative said that such training will help to further the gospel on aflatoxins since Uganda is among the top producers of maize.
Last month, government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), and Ministry of East African Affairs, still partnered with EAGC to conduct three days of training to tip grain dealers on Cross Border trade.
