Aromo farmers target over 50 million shillings from Irrigation farming

27 September 2026, 1:16 pm

By Baker Okelo

Farmers in Aromo Sub-county, Lira district, are optimistic of earning more than 50 million shillings from a single farming season, following the introduction of an irrigation scheme established by the Ministry of Water and Environment.

The irrigation scheme, located in Bar-Pii Parish, Aromo Sub-county, was established under the Multipurpose and Bulk Water Development North Project and is currently being utilised by 30 farmers under the Dam Odoca Farmers Group.

The group, comprising 18 men and 12 women, has so far ventured into the production of cabbages, and watermelons on approximately seven acres of land.

The farmers say the irrigation system, which they access free of charge, has come as a major relief during the prolonged dry spell, enabling them to continue farming while other farmers struggle with crop losses due to inadequate rainfall.

Speaking to our reporter, a group members Akullu Norine and Mzee Ogwang Quinton said the irrigation project has equipped them with improved farming knowledge and practical skills, while giving them hope of increased household income and food security.

The farmers’ group leader in chargre production and marketing, Okuja Patrick, has appealed to the Ministry of Water and Environment to consider expanding the irrigation scheme so that more farmers can benefit, noting that the group is currently utilising only seven acres.

Meanwhile, Denish Owani, the Aromo sub county extension worker and a member of the farmers’ group, says irrigation farming offers a sustainable solution to the increasingly unpredictp please

Owani says he has been working with farmers to embrace modern farming technologies and providing them with the necessary technical support to improve their production.

The Deputy Manager of the Multipurpose and Bulk Water Development North Project, Engineer Emmanuel Omutojo Ojok, has urged the farmers to utilise the irrigation scheme effectively and protect it from destruction so that it can continue benefiting farmers in the area for years to come.

According to a Ministry of Water and Environment, construction of the irrigation scheme started in November 2025 and was completed in May 2026 at a cost of approximately 968 million.