Isingiro, Uganda – During a recent thanksgiving ceremony for Hon. Bright Rwamirama Kanyontore, the Minister of State for Animal Industry, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni urged farmers in Isingiro District to adopt irrigation practices to enhance agricultural productivity. The event, held at St. Paul Masha Church of Uganda, highlighted the importance of modern farming techniques in improving crop yields.
President Museveni cited the success of Dr. Florence Muranga from Bushenyi, who reportedly harvests 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually through irrigation, compared to the average yield of only 5 tonnes per acre by other farmers in the district. “In Brazil, they get 80 tonnes of bananas per acre due to good farming practices,” he noted, emphasizing the need for Ugandan farmers to learn from such examples.
The President also cautioned against encroaching on wetlands, stating that well-preserved wetlands are vital for providing water necessary for irrigation. He reiterated the significance of land management and encouraged farmers to adopt the 4-acre model of farming, which involves diversifying crops across different plots.
Museveni’s remarks come at a crucial time as Uganda seeks to bolster its agricultural sector and ensure food security for its growing population. By promoting irrigation and sustainable farming practices, the government aims to improve productivity and enhance the livelihoods of farmers across the country.