Irish potato farmers in the Kigezi Sub Region of Uganda are calling upon the government to install soil scanners at every Sub County or Parish level. This move aims to empower farmers with vital soil information, enabling them to make informed decisions on fertilizer application and enhance crop productivity.
In a bid to address the persistent challenges faced by Irish potato farmers in Kigezi Sub Region, some of these farmers who are members of the Uganda National Seed Potato Producers Association have united in advocating for the government’s intervention in providing soil scanners at the grassroots level.
During a comprehensive one-day training workshop held in Murambo 1 cell, Bubaare Town Council, Rubanda District, approximately 200 Irish potato farmers gathered to voice their concerns and propose solutions. Hosted by Delphy, a Dutch organization specializing in Irish potato cultivation, in collaboration with Batuma Holdings Company, the workshop attracted agricultural partners such as Sygenta and Rainbow among others.
The farmers lamented the significant losses incurred due to the lack of knowledge about soil nutrients, emphasizing the adverse effects of improper fertilizer application. They cited instances where fertilizers failed to yield desired results due to a lack of compatibility with soil conditions. These further say that this has not only led to decreased yields but has also exacerbated financial burdens for farmers.
In light of these challenges farmers including Jean Tukamushaba of Farm to Table Limited of Bubaare Town Council and Jackson Bagambeare of Muko Sub County are urging the government to prioritize the installation of soil scanners at the sub-county or parish level. They say that these scanners would provide accessible soil testing facilities, enabling farmers to assess soil fertility before planting saying that with this crucial information at their disposal, they believe they can optimize fertilizer use, mitigate losses, and ultimately increase crop yields.
Godfrey Karere alias Owazo a veteran Irish potato farmer underscored the importance of government support in addressing this pressing issue. “Access to accurate soil information is paramount for sustainable agriculture,” he remarked. “By providing soil scanners at the grassroots level, the government can empower farmers with the knowledge needed to improve productivity and livelihoods.”
Timony Nowamukama the Community Project Manager for Delphy Uganda says that there is a great need for farmers to consider investing in crop and soil research as well before planting to enable them to fit into the economical chain of production. “One thing Farmers need to understand before planting is their soils, it is important to do a soil test first and establish the nutrients in the soil so that they can be sure of what nutrients are lacking” said Nowamukama.
The call for the establishment of soil scanners at every Sub County echoes a broader movement towards sustainable agriculture and underscores the pivotal role of technology in enhancing food security and rural development.
Farmers were also equipped with skills in fertilizer usage, disease identification in crops, chemical usage on crops, and better farming practices aiming at increasing productivity for them to ably fit in the economical chain of production.
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