Lira farmers turn to solar irrigation as drought bites

[Da Dona]

A seven-acre solar-powered irrigation scheme in Aromo Sub-county, Lira District, is helping farmers keep their gardens productive as prolonged drought destroys rain-fed crops.

At a farmer field day held on Tuesday, September 8, farmers at the Dam Odoca scheme were trained on crop selection, irrigation, disease control and field management.

The Shs500 million scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment, was handed over to farmers in June and is mainly being used for horticulture.

Agricultural officer Denis Owani said maize and soybean farmers have suffered major losses because of the dry spell, while farmers using irrigation have continued producing.

Florence Ojok, a beneficiary, said farmers harvested about Shs4 million from a half-acre cabbage garden during their first trial and expect higher returns from the seven-acre field.

The scheme has 30 members, including 12 women and 18 men, with six acres currently cultivated.

Lira Resident District Commissioner Lillian Eyal said some farmers are already earning millions from their produce, while officials hope the scheme will boost household incomes and reduce dependence on vegetables brought in from other districts.

The ministry has also established another solar-powered irrigation scheme in Wiodyek Sub-county, although officials say it has not yet picked up as expected.

Daily Monitor UG​