Taddeo Mivulo, the Kwania District Senior Agricultural Engineer, provided insights into the functionality of the irrigation system, noting that five farmers have already fully paid for and are being connected to the system. He emphasized the importance of proper maintenance to prevent damage to the systems.
The production department in Kwania district is actively
promoting the adoption of small-scale irrigation systems among farmers to
mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. This initiative, known as
Micro-scale irrigation, is a government program aimed at supporting farmers in
acquiring and utilizing individual irrigation equipment.
Through this program, farmers can procure irrigation
equipment via a matching grant scheme. Under this scheme, farmers contribute
25% of the cost of solar-powered machines, with the government covering the
remaining 75%. Solar-powered systems, mounted on carts, can irrigate up to 2.5
acres per day, although most farmers in Kwania typically utilize them for
one-acre plots.
Currently, twenty-two farmers across the district have
expressed interest in participating in this program, which is valued at Shs.333
million. Taddeo Mivulo, the Kwania District Senior Agricultural Engineer,
provided insights into the functionality of the irrigation system, noting that
five farmers have already fully paid for and are being connected to the system.
He emphasized the importance of proper maintenance to prevent damage to the
systems.
//Cue in: “We are giving…
Cue out: … power the solar pump.”//
George Johnson Ojok, the District Production and Marketing
Officer, highlighted the significant impact of climatic changes on production
over the past six years. He underscored irrigation as the primary solution to
address this challenge.
//Cue in: “There is a…
Cue out: … the farming throughout.”//
To alleviate the financial burden on farmers, Ojok
encouraged them to form groups and nominate a representative to register on
their behalf, facilitating easier access to the program.
//Cue in: “They can as….
Cue out: … with the guidelines.”//
Alex Ogwal Adyebo, the Kwania District Chairperson, urged
farmers to embrace the initiative, emphasizing the risk of withdrawal in case
of misuse. He emphasized the importance of providing extension services to
support farmers in maximizing the benefits of the program.
//Cue in: “We are relying on…
Cue out: … provide extension services.”//
Bosco Ogwang Abdu, a vegetable farmer who received one of
the irrigation systems, expressed optimism about its potential to enhance
production, particularly due to its capacity to cover a larger area compared to
traditional watering methods.
//Cue in: “I have been…
Cue out: …burden to me.”//
Similarly, Moses Denis Ocen from Aduku sub-county welcomed
the irrigation equipment, highlighting its timely arrival as he plans to scale
up vegetable production using his redundant fish pond and available water
resources.
//Cue in: “In 2013, I…
Cue out: … sell them expensively.”//
As rainfall patterns continue to evolve, particularly in
Northern Uganda, with the delayed onset of the first planting season,
irrigation systems become increasingly vital for sustaining agricultural
productivity amidst changing climatic conditions.
