By Jeff Andrew Lule
Farmers across the nation are encouraged to ramp up their agricultural efforts for the upcoming second season of 2024.
Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, the Minister of State for Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, has shared that the forecast for September through December 2024 suggests increased rainfall in many regions of the country.
“This signifies the beginning of the second season,” he noted.
In his statement issued today (September 4, 2024), he shared insights from the seasonal rainfall forecast for August 2024, which was published by the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) on August 3, 2024.
The forecast indicated that many areas in Northern Uganda, including the Nile, Acholi, Lango, and Karamoja sub-regions, as well as Eastern Uganda, particularly Mt. Elgon, Bukedi, and Teso, were likely to experience increased rainfall.
Conversely, he pointed out that most regions in Southwestern, Central, and Western Uganda were anticipated to face reduced rainfall during August 2024.
“As forecasted, Northern and Eastern regions of the country received fairly good rainfall in August. But Southwestern, Central and Western Uganda received low and unevenly distributed rainfall,” he explained.
Kyakulaga emphasized that in light of the current weather forecasts, regions like Central and Western Uganda, which are still facing reduced rainfall, should initiate seedbed preparations prior to the onset of more intense rains.
He advised that the existing rainfall should be utilized for land preparation, specifically recommending ploughing and re-ploughing 14 days after the initial ploughing (for tractor use) in readiness for planting.
He also pointed out that for farmers in areas experiencing consistent and well-distributed rainfall, such as Northern and Eastern Uganda, the second season typically serves as the primary cropping season.
“You are advised to start sowing in the already prepared seed beds. These rains mark the beginning of the second season,” he added.
He emphasized the importance of initiating the planting of various crops, including cereals (such as maize, upland rice, sorghum, and millet), pulses (like beans, groundnuts, soybeans, and peas), root crops (including cassava, potatoes, and yams), and vegetables (such as tomatoes, cabbages, onions, eggplants, peppers, and amaranth) at the beginning of the rainy season in August, if it has not already commenced.
The minister advised farmers who have not yet planted during the early August rains to complete their land preparation, obtain the necessary inputs (seeds, planting materials, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides) from local recommended suppliers, and proceed with planting without delay.
“You are advised to plant fast maturing and drought tolerant crop varieties such as vegetables, maize (varieties like:- WEMA-WE2115 and Champion, Bazooka, Longe-9 and Longe10UH5053, UH5051, UH5355), beans (NARO-Bean 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12 C, 15 and16) as well as drought resilient crops like Roots, Tubers and Bananas,” he added.
Farmers who initiated planting early have been advised to focus on weeding and managing pests and diseases.
Farmers who have not yet set up their plantations for perennial crops like bananas, coffee, cocoa, tea, cashew nuts, and orchards (including citrus, mangoes, and vanilla) at the beginning of the August rains are encouraged to complete their farmland planning and land preparation.
They were also advised to procure the appropriate inputs (seeds/planting materials, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides) from nearby certified nursery operators and proceed with planting without delay.
“Farmers are advised to establish perennial crops only when rains have stabilized and plant before or at the peak of the rains to avoid rotting of the seedlings,” he added.
He encouraged livestock farmers to take care of their watering sources, such as dams and valley tanks, by engaging in desilting and ensuring that water inlets are clear.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of improving and maintaining pasture quality through the planting of legumes and grasses, along with weeding, manuring, and pruning.
Farmers were also advised to prepare hay and silage for storage in readiness for the forthcoming dry season, among other practices.
Kyakulaga pointed out the critical need for farmers to seek professional advice from local veterinary extension officers regarding all aspects of livestock management.
He called on all farmers to produce enough for their own households and for sale, while also focusing on adding value to their products.
“I call upon extension workers, and leaders at various levels to disseminate this message extensively. In light of the changing weather conditions, several advisory messages will be disseminated from time to time. Let us work as a team to produce more safe, marketable food and fibre, for a healthy and prosperous nation,” he added.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, the Minister of State for Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries. File photo
