Farmers urged to heed new guidelines for second planting season

State Minister for Agriculture, Fred Kyakulaga, expressed deep concern over the challenges faced during the first cropping season of the year, particularly the lower-than-expected maize yields.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has issued a comprehensive advisory urging Ugandan farmers to strictly adhere to a set of guidelines during the second cropping season, which spans from August to November 2024.

This comes in response to ongoing unpredictable weather patterns that have significantly impacted agricultural productivity in the country.

Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on September 4, 2024, the State Minister for Agriculture, Fred Kyakulaga, expressed deep concern over the challenges faced during the first cropping season of the year, particularly the lower-than-expected maize yields.

The minister attributed this shortfall to unreliable and unevenly distributed rains, which caused many crops, especially cereals, to fail before reaching physiological maturity.

“Fellow Ugandans, especially our distinguished farmers, I want to thank you for your tremendous efforts in contributing to the socio-economic transformation of Uganda through the agriculture sector, despite the increasing unpredictable weather conditions,” Minister Kyakulaga stated.

“However, we must acknowledge that the first season of 2024 was largely unfavorable for agricultural production, with many areas experiencing early cessation of rains, leading to lower maize yields than we had anticipated.”

According to MAAIF, maize production for the 2023 season B was estimated at 5.2 million metric tonnes.

However, the final figures for 2024’s first season are expected to be lower due to the adverse weather conditions.

The early onset of rains in some regions, beginning in July, further complicated the cropping calendar, as it overlapped with the planting schedules for the second season, particularly in Northern and Eastern Uganda.

Minister Kyakulaga emphasized the importance of farmers adapting quickly to the current conditions to safeguard food security and sustain livelihoods.

He urged farmers in regions currently experiencing suppressed rainfall, such as Central and Western Uganda, to begin preparations for planting, including land plowing and re-plowing, in anticipation of intensified rains.

For those in regions with enhanced and well-distributed rainfall, like Northern and Eastern Uganda, the minister advised immediate sowing in already prepared seedbeds.

“We cannot afford to be complacent,” Kyakulaga warned. “Farmers must take full advantage of the ongoing rains, especially in Northern and Eastern Uganda, where this second season is typically the major cropping period.

Fast-maturing and drought-tolerant crop varieties should be prioritized to ensure that we maximize yields and mitigate the effects of unpredictable weather.”

In this advisory, MAAIF has outlined the specific crops that should be planted during this season. Farmers are encouraged to focus on cereals such as maize, upland rice, sorghum, and millet.

Pulses including beans, groundnuts, soya beans, and peas should also be prioritized.

Additionally, root crops like cassava, potatoes, and yams are recommended, alongside vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbages, onions, eggplants, pepper, and amaranth.

The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has forecasted enhanced rainfall for most parts of the country during the September to December 2024 period, with Northern and Eastern regions expected to receive the highest amounts.

Conversely, Southwestern, Central, and Western Uganda are projected to experience lower and unevenly distributed rainfall.

These forecasts have necessitated the tailored advisory issued by MAAIF, which covers both seasonal and perennial crop production, as well as livestock and fisheries management.

In his address, Kyakulaga also highlighted the critical role of proper crop and livestock management practices in ensuring a successful harvest.

He advised farmers who planted early to concentrate on weeding and pest and disease control.

For livestock farmers, the minister emphasized the need to maintain watering points, improve pastures, and prepare for the dry season by making hay and silage.

“Farmers who have already established perennial plantations and orchards must focus on pruning, applying appropriate fertilizers, and building soil and water conservation structures,” the minister advised.

“These practices are essential for maintaining healthy crops and ensuring sustained productivity.”

The advisory also extended to fish farmers, particularly those in areas expected to receive low rainfall.

Kyakulaga recommended establishing reservoir ponds to reserve water and managing water outflow carefully to ensure adequate water exchange.

In regions expecting high rainfall, he urged farmers to ensure proper drainage of pond channels to prevent flooding and to harvest mature fish stocks to minimize losses in case of flooding.

Kyakulaga called on all farmers to keep detailed records of their farming operations, from land preparation to marketing, emphasizing that farming is a business that thrives on sound bookkeeping principles.

In a broader appeal, the minister urged farmers to produce enough food for both household consumption and sale, while also adding value to their produce to enhance market access and profitability.

He stressed the importance of maintaining good nutrition, noting that a healthy population is crucial for sustained agricultural productivity.

“Please, distinguished farmers, I appeal to you to grow enough for your own household consumption and for sale, but after adding value,” Kyakulaga urged.

“I further urge you to eat well and maintain healthy bodies because the healthier you are, the more productive you will be.”

The minister concluded his address by calling on extension workers and leaders at various levels to disseminate the advisory messages extensively, noting that more updates would be provided as the season progresses.

“In light of the changing weather conditions, several advisory messages will be disseminated from time to time,” he said.

“Let us work as a team to produce more safe, marketable food and fiber for a healthy and prosperous nation.”