Farmers in Gomba District, have been encouraged to adopt modern technologies to reduce operational costs, minimize reliance on labor, and improve efficiency.
The call came during a farmers’ exhibition held in Bugula Village, Kyaayi Sub-county, designed to equip livestock keepers with knowledge and skills on innovative agricultural solutions.
Gomba, a district heavily reliant on livestock farming, has seen increasing diversification into crop agriculture. However, farmers still face persistent challenges, including water scarcity during the dry season, livestock diseases such as tick-borne infections, limited access to effective and verified veterinary drugs, and a shortage of reliable farm labor.
Farmers raised concerns over the prevalence of counterfeit drugs, which they say worsen animal health, reduce milk production, and even cause livestock deaths. “We are facing a serious problem of fake drugs on the market. You buy the medicine, apply it to the cows, and the ticks multiply instead of dying. Cows get sick, milk yields drop, and some die. We appeal to the government to intervene,” said local farmers.
Labor shortages also remain a critical issue, with fewer young people willing to engage in farm work, leaving farmers unable to adequately manage their livestock and crops. “Finding capable farm workers is now a challenge. Tasks like rearing cattle, spraying animals, and watering crops are left unattended, which leads to heavy losses,” the farmers explained.
In response, area Member of Parliament and farmer, Robina Rwakoojo, organized the Agro Solar Farm Exhibition to introduce farmers to modern technologies. Innovations showcased included solar-powered water pumps, surveillance cameras for farm monitoring, improved veterinary drug management, and solar-powered refrigeration for milk preservation.
District Agricultural Officer Sebabi William highlighted the potential of these technologies to address critical challenges, particularly water shortages. “Fetching water for over 100 cattle has always been difficult. Solar-powered pumps can now deliver water efficiently to where it is needed. This initiative by Robina Rwakoojo will significantly help our farmers,” he said.
Farmers attending the exhibition expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained, including proper drug usage, reliable veterinary supplies, and modern farm management techniques. Many noted that embracing technology would eliminate several challenges they face and improve productivity.
Rwakoojo urged farmers to adopt these innovations, emphasizing that modern equipment can replace multiple laborers, enhance efficiency, and ensure sustainable farming practices. “Farmers face serious challenges such as animal diseases, water shortages, and low productivity. Using machines, cameras, and solar-powered solutions can perform work that would otherwise require ten people and do it faster. I encourage all farmers to embrace technology in daily operations,” she said.
With water scarcity and livestock health being major concerns in Gomba, the adoption of modern technology offers farmers a practical solution to enhance agricultural productivity and safeguard livelihoods.
