The rain season has started, farmers urged to plant early

By Andrew S.K Kaggwa

Farmers throughout the country have been urged to start planting as the first rain season has now started.

“Farmers are advised to finalise land preparation and plant early in order to optimize the available water, said Aisha Sekindi, the State Minister for Water at a press conference organised by the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) at their offices at Luzira in Kampala on Wednesday.

UNMA predicted enhanced rainfall for agricultural activities for the March, April, May (MAM) rain season in Uganda.

The areas expected to receive most enhanced rainfall according to the UNMA forecast include southwestern Uganda, eastern and the Karamoja region.

However, the weatherman also warned that there is an increased likelihood that the start of seasonal rains would be characterized by severe isolated thunderstorms associated with lightning and hailstorms over several parts of the country.

UNMA released its downscaled seasonal forecast after the previous 60th Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (#GHACOF60) which was convened virtually on February 17^th, 2022 predicted above average rainfall for most of Greater Horn of Africa region for the MAM rainfall season.

“Overall, near average to enhanced rainfall is expected over most parts of the country for the MAM 2022. Farmers are advised to finalize preparations and plant early to optimize the rains,” UNMA said in a tweet on February 24.

Floods are expected to occur in low lying areas and flash floods in urban areas like Kampala. Landslides are expected in highland areas of Rwenzori, Kigezi and Elgon.

“Generally, the MAM 2022 forecast presents good prospects for improved agricultural production across the country. Farmers and other agricultural practitioners are highly encouraged to take advantage of the expected good rains to optimise food and crop production,” the forecast says.

The general advisories by UNMA include;

Planting of trees is highly encouraged through agro forestry

Farmers are advised to use appropriate soil management practices and technology to control soil erosion and nutrient loss

Proper seed and crop selection based on seasonal characterizes with aid of the agriculture extension staff at various levels is encouraged;

Farmers are encouraged to practice water harvesting for micro-irrigation (where necessary) especially during dry spells;

Stocking of livestock veterinary drugs against waterborne diseases such as worms across all pastoral communities and smallholder farmer’s level;

Restocking livestock farms, fish ponds and apiaries is encouraged;

Harvest and storage of animal feeds are encouraged.

Andrew S.K Kaggwa is a freelance science journalist; Phone contacts: +256 772 402 659/ + 256 705 289 307

Email: sajaggwa@gmail.com