OYAM, September 11, 2023 – The Ministry of Water and Environment has handed over Tochi Irrigation scheme in Acaba Sub-county in Oyam district to farmers under Tochi Irrigation Cooperative Society to enhance rice production.
The construction of the Shs 42 billion irrigation scheme to promote rice growing, improve food security and fishing started in 2016 with funding from the African Development Bank [AfDB].
However, the completion of the project was delayed after the contractor abandoned the site over unclear circumstances, sparking off public outbursts.
The irrigation scheme was set to benefit 1,000 farmers from Acaba, Minakulu, Oyam town council and Ngai sub-counties.
In 2021 farmers suffered a setback after floods submerged some of their rice fields in the irrigation scheme.
Eng. Robert Kasozi, the assistant commissioner in the Ministry of Water and Environment who handed over the irrigation scheme to the farmers after successful completion urged farmers to utilise it for commercial production of rice and other crops to fight household poverty.
He advised the farming communities in the district to protect and use the scheme properly.
Alex Enon, the deputy district commercial officer said as a district, they will continue supporting the farmers through training and monitoring the utilization of the scheme for a better outcome.
“As a district, we want to commit total support towards all the activities that will be taking place in the scheme. Please involve us,” he said.
George Okello, the chairperson water user committee called upon the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF] to provide them with rice mills so that they engage in value addition.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the resident district commissioner, William Komakech called upon the communities to utilise the irrigation project to fight poverty in their households.
He further advised the farmers to diversify and grow vegetables such as cabbage, tomatoes, and onions among others, saying they have market.
“You should be the supplier because during dry season, the demand for the vegetables is very high in Lira and Gulu,” he said.
Eng. Richard Cong, the chairperson of the cooperative said there are 1,400 members in addition to 600 out-growers considered to benefit from the irrigation project.
https://thecooperator.news/kitgum-district-rallies-farmers-to-embrace-small-scale-irrigation/
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