Kwania coop farmers count losses as heavy rains devastate gardens

The Monday evening torrential rain that lasted for about five hours left massive destructions, affecting farmers in Abapiri, Ajar, Apolika and Adograo parishes, all in Chawente Subcounty

Solomon Otim

A cassava garden destroyed by a hailstorm. Photo by Solomon Otim.

KWANIA, August 20, 2024 – Farmers under Abapiri Oil Seed Cooperative Society Limited in Chawente Subcounty in Kwania district are counting losses after heavy rains accompanied by the hailstorms destroyed crop fields.

The Monday evening torrential rain that lasted for about five hours left massive destructions, affecting farmers in Abapiri, Ajar, Apolika and Adograo parishes, all in Chawente Subcounty.

Stephen Otim Puli, Chairman Abapiri Oil Seed Cooperative Society Limited said the hailstorm left a big loss to members of the cooperative who depend entirely on farming for their survival.

“The strong wind affected most of my members in the nine villages within Abapiri parish and members in the neighboring parishes of Ajar, Apolika and Adograo. The oil seed crops that we entirely depend on like sunflower, soya and simsim are all down,” he said.

Another farmer, Betty Ocen, said she lost her simsim on a three acres to the heavy rains that started at midday and ended at 6pm on Monday.

“Imagine I spent Shs 2 million to open the land, buy seeds and pay labourers with hopes of getting about Shs 8 million in profits but I have now lost hope. I am now wondering how I will boost my saving at the end of the year, pay school fees and meet other family demands,” she said.

A simsim plantation destroyed by hailstorm. Photo by Solomon Otim.

Kwania district LCV Chairman Geoffrey, Alex Ogwal Adyebo said the district has recorded several cases of disasters, especially the flash floods that have submerged crop gardens and displaced several families. He said they are already collecting data that will be forwarded to the Office of the Prime Minister for redress.

Moses Ongu Okello, Chawente Subcounty LCIII Chairperson said the heavy rain accompanied by the hailstorms also destroyed several temporary houses in his area.

Ongu however said a team of local council one Chairpersons have already dispatched in villages to collect data that will be submitted to the District Disaster Committee for redress.

https://thecooperator.news/kikuube-residents-appeal-for-relief-aid-as-heavy-rains-devastate-homes-farms/

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