KWEEN, February 9, 2024: Farmers in Bugisu and Sebei sub-regions have been advised to use improved agricultural inputs in order to boost farm production and productivity, hence ensuring food security in the households.
Timothy Bisagati, the Team leader The Link Agency East Africa, said that farm productivity is too low in some areas because some farmers don’t plant improved planting materials, as well as the low uptake of some of the other modern farm technologies including mechanisation.
He made the remarks while addressing farmers during a community engagement in the Sebei Sub-region on Thursday.
He said agricultural production and productivity in Uganda, particularly in the eastern region are constrained by many factors such as lack of improved agricultural inputs, and inadequate access to information concerning modern ways of production.
Bisagati said majority of farmers in the Mt. Elgon districts of Bulambuli, Kween, Kapchorwa and Bukwo have for years suffered from decreasing crop yields, coupled with post harvest losses which to some extent has contributed to food insecurity and constant poverty in the communities.
Meanwhile early this year, Sebei Farmers Cooperative Society Limited received financial support for Capacity Building from United States African Development Foundation [USADF] implemented by Uganda Development Trust [UDET] to promote rice production in Kween district. Part of the funds were meant to be used for conducting good agronomic and post-harvest handling training for the farmers so that they are able to produce high yields of rice.
Overall, over 30 smallholder farmers participated in the training at the cooperative’s office in Chepskunya town council, Kween district. They were taught on the essential tips of handling various rice crop pests and diseases such as Rice Yellow Motor Virus [RYMV], safe use and storage of pesticides and proper fertiliser application.
Sam Wanga a smallholder farmer in Bunambutye Zone in Bulambuli district testified that he had acquired new knowledge which he will use to improve rice production, saying he will purchase improved seed varieties for his rice field from the cooperative’s agro input shop.
Jan Limo the Cooperative Manager urged the participants/farmers to implement the action plans for better results the first farming season in 2024.
https://thecooperator.news/chief-whip-obua-on-campaign-to-extend-coffee-growing-in-lango-sub-region/
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