By Umar Nsubuga
Hassan Serwadda, a farmer from Kayunga district is reaping rewards from intercropping pineapples and bananas on his 7-acre farm.
Intercropping bananas with pineapples has allowed him to maximise land use and maintain consistent income, as bananas take longer to mature.
By planting bananas four months after pineapples, he ensured they didn’t overshadow the young pineapples, optimising both crops’ growth.
Despite challenges like middlemen reducing his profit margins and high input costs, Serwadda remains focused on his farming goals.
He plans to introduce value addition to his pineapples and install an irrigation system. His efforts have brought him significant financial success, and gained recognition as a farming mentor in his community.
Advantages of intercropping
He says intercropping enhances soil fertility by using different crops that complement each other, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers.
Diverse plant species in intercropping systems help suppress pests and diseases, reducing the risk of widespread infestations.
Gideon Zakke, an agronomist says intercropping maximises land use by growing multiple crops in the same area, increasing productivity per unit of land.
“The varied root structures of different crops help prevent soil erosion and improve soil structure”, Zakke explains.
Growing multiple crops offers farmers varied sources of income and reduces financial risks if one crop fails.
Disadvantages of intercropping
Managing multiple crops with different growth requirements can be more labour-intensive and require advanced farming skills.
According to Zakke, crops may compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight, potentially leading to reduced yields if not properly managed.
He says harvesting intercropped plants can be difficult, particularly if the crops mature at different times.
