By Umar Nsubuga
Pumpkin farming offers significant profit potential, but it also comes with unique challenges that require smart management.
Daniel Katumba, a dedicated pumpkin farmer, and Brenda Tusiime, who supplies her Fort Portal processing business, Mema Agro-Organic Processors, with homegrown pumpkins, have developed effective strategies to overcome these hurdles.
Through a combination of pest control, careful water management, quality seed selection, and smart market planning, they share how farmers can reduce losses, boost yield quality, and ensure a thriving pumpkin business. Their insights offer a practical guide for any grower looking to succeed in this rewarding crop.
“One of the biggest issues pumpkin farmers face is pests and diseases,” Katumba begins.
“Pumpkins are susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew, which can wipe out crops if not managed properly.”
These pests and diseases thrive in certain conditions, particularly in damp, crowded fields, and can cause stunted growth, low yields, or even total crop loss.
To mitigate these risks, Katumba uses organic pesticides and ensures his plants are well-spaced to promote airflow, which helps reduce fungal infections.
“It’s about staying ahead of the problem,” he says.
“Regular monitoring of the plants allows me to catch issues early and respond quickly.”
Tusiime, who relies on pumpkins as the primary ingredient for her pumpkin flour products, stresses the importance of selecting disease-resistant seed varieties.
“The quality of your seeds can make or break your harvest,” she explains.
By investing in high-quality, disease-resistant seeds, Tusiime has reduced crop loss and improved her yields, ensuring she has enough pumpkins to meet her processing needs.
She also rotates crops each season, which helps reduce soil-borne diseases and keeps her plants healthy.
“It’s a small investment upfront, but it saves a lot in the long run,” she notes.
Another challenge that pumpkin farmers encounter is water management. Pumpkins need a consistent water supply, especially during their early growth stages, but too much water can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.
“Too much or too little water can lead to crop losses,” Katumba explains.
To combat this, he has set up a drip irrigation system that delivers water directly to the roots in controlled amounts, helping him avoid both waterlogging and drought stress.
This system also conserves water, making it cost-effective in the long term. Tusiime, who farms on a larger scale, has invested in a solar-powered pump to irrigate her fields, which allows her to maintain moisture levels even during dry seasons.
“With drip irrigation, I can manage water efficiently, which is especially important in areas with unreliable rainfall,” she adds.
Harvesting and post-harvest handling are other stages where pumpkin farmers often incur losses. Tusiime explains,
“Pumpkins bruise easily and are prone to spoilage if they aren’t handled properly.”
To prevent damage, Tusiime trains her workers to handle pumpkins gently and store them in a shaded, ventilated area where they can cure before processing.
Curing hardens the pumpkin skin, extending its shelf life and making it less susceptible to rot.
“Even a small bruise can cause a pumpkin to spoil faster,” she points out.
Katumba follows a similar practice, emphasizing that careful post-harvest handling is essential to maintaining the quality of the produce and maximizing profits.
Marketing is another critical aspect that can affect profitability.
“One mistake many farmers make is not having a market plan,” Katumba says.
“If you don’t have buyers lined up, your pumpkins could sit in the field too long and start to rot.”
To address this, Katumba has built relationships with local markets and wholesalers who purchase his pumpkins as soon as they are harvested.
Tusiime, who processes pumpkins into flour, has solved this challenge by creating her own demand.
“Processing the pumpkins into flour gives me a longer shelf life and a wider market,” she explains.
By transforming her pumpkins into a value-added product, she not only reduces losses but also increases her profits by selling a product that has consistent demand.
Both farmers also face challenges related to labour costs and availability.
“Pumpkin farming requires a lot of work, especially during planting and harvest seasons,” Katumba says.
Hiring experienced workers who understand crop care can help prevent issues like improper handling or over-harvesting.
Tusiime adds that while labor costs are a necessary expense, having well-trained workers has been invaluable for her business.
“Trained staff know how to handle the pumpkins properly, which minimizes losses,” she says.
