Kotido farmers receive irrigation equipment to boost agricultural productivity

KOTIDO, May 21, 2025 – Farmers in Kotido District have received a major boost following the delivery of irrigation equipment under the Micro-scale Irrigation Programme, a government initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and improving food security.

According to Bernard Obin, the Kotido District Agricultural Officer, the equipment has been distributed to the first group of farmers who met the criteria outlined in the programme guidelines.

Under the initiative, the government subsidises between 25 percent and 75 percent of the total cost of the irrigation equipment, with a maximum contribution of Shs 7.2 million per acre. For example, a farmer looking to irrigate one acre may pay between Shs 2 million and Shs 8 million, depending on the type of equipment chosen and specific farm conditions. “If you want to irrigate 2.5 acres, you may pay between Shs 5 million and Shs 20 million,” a programme document explains.

Obin encouraged more farmers to take advantage of the scheme, which is designed to mitigate the effects of climate change across Uganda. “Farmers who have not yet completed their co-funding contributions are urged to do so promptly to benefit from the programme,” he said.

Installation of the irrigation systems officially began on Monday, marking a significant milestone for local farmers.

“With the programme set to phase out at the end of the current financial year, farmers are encouraged to act quickly to improve their yields and strengthen food security,” Obin added. He also noted that the Department of Agriculture is working diligently to ensure a smooth and effective rollout. “The Micro-scale Irrigation Programme is poised to make a real impact, and we are optimistic about the benefits it will bring.”

Bosco Rackara, a farmer from Kotido Municipality, expressed enthusiasm about the equipment but remained uncertain about whether his farm would meet the eligibility criteria. “Many farmers applied for the programme but were unsuccessful. I’m not sure if my farm will qualify when I apply,” he said.

According to Obin, one key requirement is that farms must have access to a nearby water source that can be used without adversely affecting the surrounding community.

Of the 262 farmers who expressed interest in the programme, only 47 were found eligible following 86 farm inspections. “Most of the disqualified farmers were affected by soil texture and topographical challenges,” Obin revealed.

Martina Irar, a farmer from Kotido’s West Division, urged district authorities to seek support for the construction of mini-dams to ensure a reliable water supply for both farming and livestock. “We need consistent water sources to sustain our farms and animals,” she said.

Agness Nakolong, a farmer from Rengen Sub-county, welcomed the arrival of the equipment but voiced concerns over security. “Vandalism is a real issue. When people see a reliable water source, they bring their livestock to graze there, and it becomes hard to keep them away,” she said.

In response, Obin advised farmers without sufficient water sources to consider constructing micro-ponds to harvest rainwater, recommending dimensions of at least 10 metres in length, 4–5 metres in width, and 2 metres in depth.

Farmers intend to focus on cultivating fast-growing crops, particularly vegetables, to increase their household incomes.

The Micro-scale Irrigation Programme is led by the Department of Agricultural Infrastructure, Mechanisation and Water for Agricultural Production under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF]. It forms part of Uganda’s National Irrigation Policy, which aims to expand irrigated land nationwide by the year 2040.

https://thecooperator.news/irrigation-project-targets-over-3000-farmers-in-climate-change-fight/

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