Agago farmers thrive with solar-powered irrigation

13 March 2025, 4:57 PM

By Ketty Akello Diana

Farmers in Agago district are experiencing improved harvests and higher incomes thanks to a government-supported irrigation project that enables year-round farming.

District leaders recently conducted a field visit to assess progress and provide further guidance on maximising the project’s benefits.

The visit was led by Oceng David DK Pinyamoi, the Agago District Focal Point Person for irrigation, alongside Hon. Bua Denis Chapacing, Chairperson of the Production Committee, Susan Akot Moro, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), and Apollo Tandeka, District Internal Security Officer (DISO).

Their mission was to engage with farmers, evaluate the project’s impact, and identify areas requiring further support.

The irrigation initiative, part of the Northern Uganda Farmers’ Livelihood Improvement Project, has provided funding and technical assistance to farmers in the subcounties of Parabongo, Paimol, Lokole, Patongo town council, Kotomor, Lirapalwo, Adilang, and Lamio.

In the 2023/2024 financial year, the government allocated 464 million shillings to support 26 farmers in these areas. As the program expands, an additional 22 farmers will be included in the 2024/2025 financial year to further enhance food security and household incomes.

Among the beneficiaries is Mego Lanyero Rose Okeny, a farmer from Pampara village, Agago town council. She cultivates onions, tomatoes, jackfruit, and watermelon using a solar-powered irrigation system. Water is pumped into a storage tank and then distributed to her crops through small pipes.

This system allows her to farm even during dry months, ensuring a stable income that supports school fees, household expenses, and business operations. However, she faces challenges such as livestock damaging her crops due to weak or inadequate fencing materials.

In Dogoker village, Kotomor subcounty, Francis Ogwal also utilises solar-powered irrigation to grow vegetables and tomatoes, in addition to rearing fish. His system employs sprinklers to water his crops.

While his vegetables grow quickly and generate regular income, tomatoes take longer to mature. Additionally, feeding his fish and protecting his crops from pests remain significant challenges.

During the field visit, farmers received training on water conservation, soil management, and pest control techniques to help them improve yields and sustain their farming activities.

District officials reassured the farmers of continued support, emphasising the crucial role of irrigation in strengthening the region’s agricultural sector.

With backing from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, in collaboration with the World Bank, the government aims to expand the project to support more farmers in transitioning to market-oriented agriculture. By increasing access to irrigation, farmers in Agago district will be able to boost food production, enhance their incomes, and build more resilient livelihoods throughout the year.