Vanilla farmers in Mohokya and Mahango sub-counties in Kasese district decry over increased theft of the vanilla crop.

Speaking to Salt TV, Charles Mutanaba says they always have sleepless nights in trying to guard their lucrative crop thus, requesting the government to provide enough security, wire mesh and barbed wire so that farmers are relieved.

Ronald Ndobya, 28, a resident of Mahango Sub County says ahead of harvesting period in early Decimeter, farmers are security conscious.

The state minister for agriculture Hon. Christopher Kibanzanga says because of the crop being of high value, it has caused excitement and deaths in many areas. He adds that even those dealing in vanilla business have been ambushed along the road.

He added that the government has no specific policy to address the challenges in the vanilla industry but quickly said local governments have been advised to come up with ordnances.

Kibanzanga reveals that the government is trying to register farmers dealing in vanilla so that they are noticeable in their localities.

Despite of Kasese District passing the ordnance, theft cases has not been minimized. Farmers have resorted to local methods of protecting their high-value crop, which is also not reliable in case of fire outbreak.