BUSIA, Uganda: Farmers in Busia District have been urged to embrace modern farming technologies, irrigation and value addition to increase productivity, improve household incomes and escape the cycle of subsistence agriculture.
The call was made by National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo while officiating at the inaugural Busia Local Government Agricultural Show held at Masafu Play Grounds.
Addressing farmers, agricultural stakeholders and development partners, Nekesa said Uganda’s agricultural transformation agenda can only be achieved if farmers adopt innovative and commercial farming practices capable of generating higher yields and sustainable incomes.
“The NRM Party espouses socio-economic transformation as one of its core values. Government targets to close the remaining subsistence gap in the next five years,” Nekesa said.
She commended Busia District leaders and technical staff for organizing the agricultural exhibition, describing it as an important platform for promoting agricultural innovation and knowledge sharing among farmers.
Modern Farming Key to Higher Productivity
Nekesa emphasized that farmers must move away from traditional production methods and embrace technologies such as irrigation, mechanization, improved seed varieties, fertilizers and climate-smart farming practices.
According to her, these interventions are critical in helping farmers increase production despite shrinking land sizes and the growing challenges posed by climate change.
She noted that Busia’s average household landholding has fallen to less than two acres, compared to the national average of approximately 3.2 acres, making efficient land utilization more important than ever.
“Farmers must maximize output on the little land available through irrigation, improved seeds, fertilizers and better farming methods,” she said.
The NRM Treasurer further discouraged excessive subdivision of family land, arguing that fragmented holdings make commercial agriculture difficult and less profitable.
Irrigation Seen as Game Changer
With changing weather patterns increasingly affecting agricultural production, Nekesa identified irrigation as one of the most important investments farmers can make.
She said irrigation systems would enable farmers to maintain production throughout the year and reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall seasons.
The government, she added, continues to encourage climate-resilient farming practices to strengthen food security and boost agricultural incomes.
Focus on Value Addition
Beyond production, Nekesa challenged farmers to embrace value addition as a means of increasing earnings from agricultural products.
She observed that many farmers continue to sell raw produce at low prices instead of processing, packaging and marketing finished products that attract higher returns.
“The greatest opportunity for profit lies in processing and moving up the agricultural value chain,” she told participants.
According to the NRM Treasurer, value addition remains one of the most effective ways of creating jobs, improving market competitiveness and increasing farmers’ profits.
Cooperatives and Financing
Nekesa also encouraged farmers to organize themselves into cooperatives and producer groups to improve access to financing, farm equipment and extension services.
She noted that collective action makes it easier for farmers to acquire expensive machinery, negotiate better market prices and benefit from government support programmes.
The Busia agricultural show attracted participation from several stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Busitema University, Malwire Technical Institute, Equity Bank, Centenary Bank and cultural institution Obwenengo Bwa Bugwe.
Nekesa urged farmers to take advantage of financing opportunities offered through government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation and NAADS.
She concluded by expressing confidence that Busia is well-positioned to become a model district for agricultural transformation if farmers embrace innovation, technology and commercialization.
“This agricultural show demonstrates that Busia is ready for the next phase of agricultural transformation,” she said.
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