Boosting agriculture in Northern Uganda

According to the State Minister for Northern Uganda, Kenneth Omona, the presence of an agreed cash crop is vital to boost incomes and enable the development of the region's agricultural sector

Presenting during the first regional plenary sitting held in Gulu City on 28 August, Omona highlighted the need for extension services to reach the local communities, noting concerns that the services have not been received by most sub-counties in Northern Uganda.

The state minister said mechanisation of agriculture will go a long way in improving crop yields, noting that farmers in the area continue using traditional tools like hand-hoes and ox-ploughs to till their land. According to Omona, utilising such primitive tools would fail to meet the economic demand of crop production. Therefore, harnessing the over 20,000 sq km of land in Acholi sub-region to engage in livestock production, will support the provision of livestock breeding at subsidised costs. 

The committee chairperson, Linda Auma, said there is need for government to support the creation of public and private water sources for production in the region and the country at large. While chairing the plenary sitting, the Speaker, Anita Among, said the Committee report needed to address broader issues on the agricultural sector in Northern Uganda, and she tasked the Committee to carry extensive consultations on the matter. She added that the committee should look at the primary and secondary aspects of agricultural production in different regions of Northern Uganda.

“Availability of water for production is key in enhancing agricultural production in the face of challenges associated with climate change," said Auma. "Rehabilitating the existing water sources and creating more is vital in promoting usage of water for agricultural production.”

Among also added that finding out the number of tractors needed by each region and the type of crops that grow better in these areas, it would be possible to improve post-harvest handling and add value to improve the agricultural sector.