BY JOACKIM KULE
Kasese District Local Government has today commissioned the Micro- scale Irrigation Programme that is aimed at supporting smallholder farmers to purchase micro irrigation equipment at subsidized costs.
The program that is supported by the World Bank through the Uganda Fiscal Transfers Reform (UGifT) is meant to improve the farmers’ livelihoods through engaging in extensive agricultural activities.
The program is designed in line with the National Development Plan, the National Irrigation Policy and the Vision 2040, all of which promote the development of irrigation technologies.
Addressing the gathering during its official commissioning at Musomoro Cell in Kinyamaseke Town Council, the Kasese District Production Officer, Mr. Julius Baluku, noted that currently they have established six demonstration farms that are spread across six selected lower local governments of Nyakiyumbu, Karusandara, Muhokya, Kyarumba Town Council, Mpondwe – Lhubiriha Town Council and Kinyamaseke Town Council.
The Kasese District Senior Agricultural Engineer, Mr. Benson Agaba, stressed that during the implementation of the programme, government would subsidize the purchase of irrigation equipment between 25% and 75% depending on the choice of power source with a maximum contribution value of UGX 18 million per farmer.
The Kasese Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Eriab Begumya Ntarwete, revealed that the programme would also address the challenge of climate change that affects crop production, urging the farmers to make farming as a business.
The District Chairperson, Mr. Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi, asked the farmers who have already benefited from the programme to allow the Rwenzururu subjects learn from them and acquire the improved agricultural technologies.
Grace Byasasa, a Senior Engineer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, noted that the Ministry was happy with Kasese District for effectively implementing the programme just in a few months it was introduced by government.
Mr. Yonah Maate Tumusiime, one of the beneficiaries testified that in just a spate of nine months, he has been able to yield more than UGX 7.5 million from the growing carrots, water melon, tomatoes and cabbages among others, encouraging the farmers to embrace the programme.
Officiating at the official commissioning, Mr. Zepher Mubingwa, the Kasese Deputy RDC in-charge of Busongora, urged the extension workers to give enough time to the programme so as to realize the purpose for which it has been introduced.
According to him, the programme is an initiative of the President to help in the fight against food insecurity and poverty from households.
ENDS