Farmers in Lango Sub-region have urged stakeholders to strengthen their capacity for consistent production in the face of unpredictable weather.
During the Farmers Field Day at Ngetta ZARDI, they explored new agricultural technologies, drought-tolerant crop varieties, and advanced farming techniques to boost productivity and ensure sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Barnabas Mudde, a senior research officer with NARO, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in agricultural research and development.
He highlighted the collaboration between NARO and Stark Ayres, a South African seed company specializing in horticultural crops, which has introduced high-yielding, disease-resistant vegetable varieties suitable for Northern Uganda’s climate.
“The private sector brings in new technologies and innovative solutions to tackle climate change. The new horticultural varieties introduced here are drought-tolerant, which is crucial given rising temperatures,” Dr. Mudde stated.
He further encouraged farmers to engage with district authorities to access subsidized irrigation equipment, enabling them to produce crops year-round.
The partnership has introduced resilient vegetable varieties such as Star 9065 F1 tomatoes, capable of producing up to 150 fruits per plant, and Kilimo cabbage, which matures in 75 days and yields up to 14,000 heads per acre.
Demonstration gardens allowed farmers to witness firsthand the potential of these improved varieties, with trials conducted to determine the best-performing crops for the region.
William Kimeto, the country lead for Stark Ayres in Uganda, explained the importance of practical training.
“Farmers believe when they see. That’s why we first set up the demonstration gardens to showcase how these varieties perform. We are also conducting trials to identify the best-performing varieties for this region,” Kimeto explained.
Christine Anyinge Ojok, the managing Director of Tinox Farmers Unlimited, stressed the need for farmers to embrace modern irrigation techniques, debunking the belief that farming is only viable during the rainy season.
“Many farmers here believe that farming is only possible during the rainy season, but today, they have seen that with irrigation, they can grow vegetables even in extreme heat. This knowledge is a game-changer,” she noted.
A model farmer Leo Alani from Alebtong District shared his experiences, calling for increased support in irrigation, market access, and post-harvest storage to maximize profits.
“I now understand how to manage my crops, apply fertilizers, and control diseases. These new hybrid varieties will improve my yields and income,” he said.
With climate change threatening food security, adopting modern technologies and improved crop varieties is essential for sustainable agriculture in Northern Uganda.
Through innovative partnerships and knowledge-sharing, farmers aim to enhance productivity and adapt to climate challenges. The Farmers Field Day has not only empowered farmers but also strengthened collaborations between researchers, private sector players, and the farming community.
For any press releases or news inquiries, please contact us at 0773605843.
Comment