Low rice production in Bunyoro blamed on sugar 

KIKUUBE– Growing cane for sugar manufacturing is responsible for the current low rice production in Bunyoro Sub-region, according to researchers from Makerere University.

Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, a principal investigator at Makerere University said several farmers in Kikuube and Hoima districts were abandoning the growing food crops including rice in favour of sugarcane.

He noted that most of the land that used to be under rice production is being used for sugarcane growing to feed Kinyara Sugar Works Limited and Hoima Sugar Limited.

According to Musinguzi, with funding from Africa Plant Nutrition Institute, Makerere University in partnership with Kikuube district local government is implementing a three-year project dubbed Enhancement of Rice Productivity through adaptation of Climate-Smart Agricultural Options and Market Responsive Strategies in Uganda.

The project which started in August this year focuses on promoting the growing of upland rice [NAMCHE5] that is highly nutritious and resistant to climate change.

The project, with 12 model farms, was initiated following a research study, which established that the reduction in rice production in the Bunyoro Sub-region is a result of unpredictable rainfall and loss of fertility in the soil among others.

Musinguzi said that some of the rice processors in Kiziranfumbi town council were planning to dispose of machines due to a lack of rice to process for the market.

To be food secure, he challenged leaders in the area to sensitise farmers to embrace rice growing, adding that rice production can make farmers earn more money compared to cane growing.

Meanwhile, Barnabas Ntume, the Kikuube district production officer explained that Hoima and Kikuube districts were leading producers of rice but have been affected by sugarcane growing, infertile soils, climate change, and poor farming methods.

He added that rice farmers are also facing the challenge of birds, which invade their farms.

He noted that 10 years ago, an acre of rice would produce 20 bags, which he said is not possible today.

Peter Banura, the Kikuube LCV boss was excited that the new project will produce more food for workers in the oil and gas industry as Uganda prepares to produce its first oil.

He noted farmers have been practicing rice growing in the district without the required technology and skills, hence making losses.

Samuel Kahesi, the Kikuube assistant production officer said that project in the district will encourage farmers who have been growing rice in wetlands to move out to alternative areas, adding that poverty among the community will reduce as farmers embark on growing rice.

Paul Musigunzi, a rice farmer in Kiziranfumbi Sub-county said the new technology would help him and other farmers to increase production of the crop.

https://thecooperator.news/farmers-gain-as-kinyara-sugar-works-raises-price-for-cane-second-time/

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