Pallisa, Uganda: Pallisa District Local Government has launched a two-day Farmer Field Day in Kibale Sub-county, bringing together hundreds of farmers, agricultural experts and local leaders to promote knowledge sharing, modern farming technologies and improved agricultural productivity.
The initiative, which commenced on Tuesday, July 7, is aimed at strengthening peer-to-peer learning by exposing farmers to successful agricultural enterprises while connecting them with technical experts to improve household incomes.
Day One of the event was hosted at the farm of Lawrence Ogwang in Odeperio Parish, where participants toured thriving banana plantations, passion fruit orchards and vegetable gardens as practical demonstrations of modern farming practices.
Opening his farm to visitors, Ogwang shared his journey of transforming his agricultural enterprise through modern farming methods inspired by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s wealth creation campaign and audiovisual extension training programmes.
He explained how adopting improved agronomic practices, enterprise diversification and proper farm management had increased productivity and enhanced household income.
District leaders encouraged farmers to emulate successful model farmers by embracing innovation, proper planning and commercial agriculture.
Throughout the day, technical officers conducted live demonstrations covering crop production, pest and disease management, livestock farming, fisheries and micro-scale irrigation.
District Production Officer Dr. Michael Okwalinga emphasised the importance of improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on seasonal rainfall.
“Crop production is best realised when the soil is fertile, healthy and adequately supplied with water rather than relying entirely on rain,” Dr. Okwalinga said.
He encouraged farmers to adopt improved technologies, diversify agricultural enterprises and maintain proper farm records to increase productivity and profitability. “As a department, we encourage our farmers to diversify, adopt improved technologies and keep records to increase household incomes,” he added.
Technical teams from the Crop Production, Veterinary, Fisheries, Entomology and Micro-scale Irrigation departments also guided farmers on climate-smart agriculture, integrated pest management and sustainable production systems.
Resident District Commissioner Majid Dhikusooka challenged both political and technical leaders to become role models by actively engaging in agriculture. He urged leaders to establish demonstration farms within their communities to inspire residents to embrace commercial farming.
Meanwhile, Pallisa District Chairperson Ben Okiria linked agricultural transformation to environmental conservation, saying sustainable farming depends on protecting natural resources.
“I am now an advocate of the environment. One of my key campaign pledges is tree planting. I have challenged all district councillors to establish orchards and woodlots at home,” Okiria said.
The district chairperson also encouraged the Production Department to work closely with the media to highlight outstanding farmers.
He said profiling successful farmers such as Lawrence Ogwang would encourage wider adoption of modern farming practices while attracting potential investors and development partners to the district.
Day Two shifts to Akisim
The learning programme continues today, Wednesday, at the farm of Moses Otim in Opadoi Central Village, Opadoi Parish, Akisim Sub-county.
District officials say the second day will feature additional demonstrations on crop management, irrigation technologies, livestock production and value addition as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural extension services across Pallisa.
The Farmer Field Day forms part of the district’s broader strategy to improve agricultural productivity through practical learning, technology transfer and stronger collaboration between farmers, extension workers and government institutions.
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