PADER – Hundreds of farmers from various sub counties in Pader district have received ox-ploughs to boost their farming.
The 180 ox-ploughs were distributed by Country Side Harvester, a farmer-led organisation to farmers from Ajan, Laguti sub counties and Pajule Town Council at Pajule sub-county headquarters.
The support is part of the Centre of Animal and Crop Production, a five years project being implemented in the district of northern Uganda.
A total of 871 farmers’ groups in Pader district were registered for the support and have chosen crop production as an enterprise unlike other districts in West Acholi which took on animal production.
Some of the farmers who got the support have commended Country Side Harvester for the initiative and are hopeful to increase production for improved household income and livelihoods.
Galdiono Otyeno, one of the farmers from Palenga parish in Pajule sub county says, he couldn’t get into large production using hand hoes since he returned from the internally displaced people’s camps.
“I will have to change my way of farming to a large scale, taking on soya beans and sunflowers as my crop enterprises,” Otyeno told theCooperator in an interview.
Regina Alum, one of the group members of Ribe-Ber farmers Cooperative Society says, she has been facing challenges of using hand hoes for many years and is hopeful for increased production.
“We will also receive a pair of oxen and I will have to work hard and pay my children for school. My child has just joined University, five others are in primary and secondary,” Alum explained.
However, she has expressed fear of price fluctuation and limited market for their products with poor road networks in the area and called on the district to prioritize road development.
The Secretary for Finance and Planning for Pajule sub-county Phiona Acayo also pointed out a similar concern of poor road network affecting market accessibility to farmers.
“Turing our community from peasantry farming to modern agriculture will need our concerted efforts and putting resources where it is necessary” Alum added.
She further noted that, despite poor road networks in the district, many of the farmers still lack knowledge of the best agronomic practices due to limited extension workers.
The Program Officer for Center for Crop and Animal Production, Francis Okello noted that each of the ox-ploughs cost the organisation Shs 200,000 for procurement and supply.
He further revealed that the oxen are under procurement and expected for delivery and distribution at the end of next month.
https://thecooperator.news/7000-farmers-in-lango-enrol-for-crop-insurance-scheme/
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