Soroti farmers urged to attend farm clinics for better yields
SOROTI, April 30, 2026 — Farmers in Soroti district can boost crop yields and tackle pests by attending farm clinics, the District Agricultural Officer, Moses Okello Eceku, has said.
In an interview with theCooperator News, Eceku explained that farm clinics provide farmers with direct access to agricultural experts who offer tailored advice on crop and livestock diseases, modern farming techniques and sustainable practices.
He said the clinics help increase productivity through hands-on training, disease diagnosis and access to improved inputs, enabling farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture.
Eceku noted that the clinics will be held every Tuesday at Katine cattle market in Katine Subcounty, Soroti District. The sessions, run by district extension staff and partners, will cover pest management, soil fertility, climate-smart practices and post-harvest handling.
“Farm clinics are an extension approach where we go to busy places, especially markets, set up there, and farmers come to seek advice,” Eceku explained.
“The services are free,” he added, urging farmers who visit markets for business to also attend the clinics before returning home.
Eceku encouraged farmers to bring samples of diseased crops, such as cassava and citrus, for on-the-spot diagnosis. He added that pesticides for treating affected plants would also be available for purchase.
He further advised farmers to buy only approved seeds from certified agro-input dealers, warning that seeds sold in open markets are often poorly stored and may be of low quality.
Local farmers welcomed the initiative but raised concerns about costs.
“I will bring my cassava samples next market day,” said Peter Elasu of Gweri Subcounty. “But many of us cannot afford the pesticides, even if the problem is diagnosed.”
John Opolot, a farmer from Arapai Subcounty, said transport was also a challenge, noting that carrying diseased cassava stems on a boda boda comes at a cost. He appealed to officials to extend the clinics to parish level.
Benefits of farm clinics to farmers
- Timely diagnosis and solutions: Farmers can present infected plant or animal samples for expert diagnosis and receive practical treatment recommendations, often based on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), reducing misuse of pesticides.
- Expert knowledge sharing: Clinics provide guidance on climate-smart agriculture, improved seed varieties, post-harvest handling and water management.
Improved productivity and income: Applying expert advice can lead to higher yields and better earnings.
Strategic connections: Clinics can link farmers to financial institutions offering affordable credit.
Better resource management: Farmers learn to detect pests early and adopt non-chemical methods such as crop rotation and improved soil fertility practices.
Convenience and access: As community-based services, clinics offer free or affordable expert support in accessible locations such as markets and cooperatives.
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