KAMPALA – The air is still buzzing with excitement at Namboole Stadium as farmers from all walks of life gather for the second day of Harvest Money Expo 2025, which wraps up tomorrow, February 16.
Banana farming has become a popular crop in Uganda, with farmers eager to harness its full potential to increase their yields and quality.
The energy, still palpable, is giving bright smiles, hearty conversations, and hands-on learning centre stage. This year’s event, with its inclusive approach, welcomed everyone, including farmers with hearing impairments, reinforcing the power of unity in agriculture.
With the theme Farming as a Business, Value Addition and Coperatives, the expo has set the stage for farmers to learn how to increase their yields and grow their operations.
Washington Mugerwa, a prominent farmer who was named Best Farmer in 2014, said that proper plant management is key to a bountiful harvest.
“To increase yields, farmers must stop cutting the banana leaves unnecessarily. The leaves are vital for food production in the plant, and removing too many can reduce both the quantity and quality of the bananas,” he explained.
Mugerwa emphasised the importance of understanding the plant’s roots.
“Inspect the roots carefully. If they appear burnt or damaged, it could indicate a nematode infestation. Nematodes can severely damage the plant, leading to lower yields.
Pay attention to what your plants are telling you,” he added. He also highlighted the importance of water conservation for banana plants, especially in regions where water might be scarce.
“Spot mulching is an effective way to conserve moisture in the soil. While full plantation mulching may not always be practical, targeted mulching around each plant can make a big difference,” he advised.
The vibe at the expo is not just educational, but electric, laden with possibilities because farmers connect over shared challenges and newfound solutions.
With major sponsors like aBi, Engsol, Tunga Nutrition, Bella Wine, UDC, and the Kingdom of Netherlands backing the expo, the event is filled with vibrant energy, creating a space where practical advice meets a positive, collaborative spirit.
As the expo nears its grand finale, attendees are walking away with new hope and practical tips to turn their banana farming into a booming business, transforming mindsets and creating a future where farming is not only sustainable but also incredibly rewarding.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Banana farming has become a popular crop in Uganda, with farmers eager to harness its full potential to increase their yields and quality.
