Speak FM
Pader farmers partner with Palladium to boost mechanised agriculture
26 June 2026, 11:24 am
By Emmanuel Mwaka
For years, members of Tutu Community Farmers Enterprises Limited relied on manual labour. They are now turning to mechanised farming after acquiring a brand-new tractor to accelerate agricultural production across the district.
This milestone was made possible through a partnership with Palladium under the Climate Smart Jobs (CSJ) initiative.
The development marks a significant shift from the group’s beginnings in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, where they started saving small amounts. Those savings have now grown into large-scale agricultural investment in Bongtiko Sub-county, Pader District. The group contributed 35 million shillings from its own savings, while the initiative from Palladium covered the remaining 80 per cent of the cost.
The group’s chairperson, Mr Ben Okello, said the tractor is not exclusively for members but is also being hired out to local farmers at a subsidised rate, making mechanised ploughing more affordable for those who previously depended on the hand hoe.
He said demand for the machine is already high, with the group receiving requests to plough more than 280 acres of land for local farmers.
Mr Okello added that the team has been actively inspecting land, with nearly 250 acres assessed to determine suitability for mechanisation. However, only 176 acres were cleared and ready for ploughing. So far, the tractor has successfully worked on nearly 84 acres of land within the community.
He noted that offering services at subsidised rates is helping to make modern farming accessible to smallholder farmers who previously relied on manual cultivation.
The impact on the ground is evident. Mr David Okello, a farmer from Oywelo Mon Village, said the tractor has transformed his farming capacity. Previously, using oxen, he could only manage about 10 acres. He is now able to expand his fields to between 20 and 30 acres.
Mr Okello noted that heavy tree stumps and the rugged nature of the land sometimes hinder the tractor’s movement. He also pointed out that there is a growing queue of farmers waiting for access to the machine.
He is now calling for better market access for the increased output, as well as further subsidies to keep tractor services affordable for local farmers.
Despite these challenges, the mood remains one of hope. Mr Okane Robert, another local farmer, said he has already seen the benefits of the group’s services and is optimistic about a record-breaking harvest this season.
As the planting season progresses, the success of Tutu Community Farmers Enterprises Limited serves as a blueprint for other farmer groups in Northern Uganda. While challenges such as land clearing and market access remain, the sound of the tractor in Bongtiko Sub-county is a clear indication that the region is ready for a commercial agricultural boom.
