By Our Reporter
Farmers in the Lango sub-region have been encouraged to adopt solar-powered irrigation systems to improve agricultural productivity, increase yields, and boost household incomes.
SunCulture Uganda says the government is supporting farmers through a 60 percent subsidy on solar-powered irrigation equipment. Farmers seeking to benefit from the programme are only required to present a National Identity Card as proof of Ugandan citizenship.
Speaking during the Northern Regional Expo organized by the Eastern Africa Grain Council at the Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Collins Akello, the Regional Marketing Manager of SunCulture Uganda, said the government has also provided an additional subsidy of Shs50,000 for every female farmer acquiring a solar water pump.
Akello explained that the aim of the programme is to ensure that farmers use the technology to enhance production and profitability.
“We do not want somebody to buy our pump and keep it in the house. You need to buy this pump to improve the agricultural activities you are doing. Whether you are engaged in poultry, piggery, or horticulture, we want the technology to increase your productivity and profits,” she said.
She called upon all farmers across the country to embrace modern agricultural technologies and move away from traditional farming methods.
“As SunCulture, we want to make sure every household owns a solar water pump for irrigation,” she added.
Akello noted that irrigation has become increasingly important due to the unpredictability of rainfall patterns, which often affect crop production.
She advised farmers to focus on three key areas for successful farming: maintaining well-organized gardens, planting quality seeds, and adopting irrigation systems to support crops during dry spells.
“There are three things a farmer should ensure: a well-organized garden, quality seeds, and irrigation to support crops in case of a dry spell,” she said.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. George Ogwal Akaca of the Lira Diocese welcomed the irrigation initiative but noted that affordability remains a major challenge for many farmers.
He said poverty continues to limit access to irrigation equipment in many households, despite its potential benefits.
Fr. Ogwal revealed that he is also working to acquire an irrigation system for use on his small farm and has been encouraging Christians under his pastoral care to embrace the technology to improve agricultural production and household livelihoods.
Caption: Akello speaking to farmers during Expo