Eastern Uganda farmers urged to embrace climate-smart agriculture

Farmers in Eastern Uganda have been urged to adopt climate-smart agriculture and carefully select high-yield crop varieties to cope with unpredictable weather patterns and improve their livelihoods.

This call comes as a section of farmers in the region, who recently cultivated crops like tomatoes during the dry season, are now reaping huge profits due to high yields and a readily available market.

This as a group of farmers from across the Eastern region gathered at Maro Farm, a four-acre model farm managed by Municipality Member of Parliament, Apollo Yeri Ofwono, for a study tour on climate-smart agriculture.

Led by the farm manager, the visiting farmers were introduced to various crops grown on the farm, including watermelon, pumpkin, tomatoes, onions, and eggplants, among others.

During the tour, the farmers were advised to prioritize high-quality crop varieties to maximize their yields.

"Our land is becoming more marginalized, and we no longer have large acres for farming. If you have a small piece of land, you need to invest in a high-yield variety like Pele to get better returns," said Annet Kiiza, a Business Development Manager.

At Maro Farm, a one-acre tomato garden, which initially required an investment of shs1.3 million , is expected to generate nearly shs5 million  due to strong market demand.

"Today, we have a customer buying everything from the farm. The market is available, and currently, we supply all the hotels within the district. It's yield is overwhelming" said Apollo Yeri Ofwono, Municipality MP.

Despite concerns that farming has become expensive, agronomists warn that such perceptions are holding back agricultural progress in the sub-region. Instead, they advise farmers to focus on valuable crop selection to maximize profits.

"Take pumpkins, for instance. With just ten grams of seeds costing shs 2,000 , a farmer can make nearly shs1 million  in returns," explained Mark Masette, the regional head of Elgon region - East West Seed.

In addition to crop farming, MP Apollo Yeri Ofwono also engages in animal rearing and poultry farming, ensuring alternative sources of income while empowering the local community.

The initiative at Maro Farm highlights the growing need for farmers to adapt to modern agricultural practices to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve food security in the region.