Lango Soybean Farmers Seek Urgent Relief from Rising Costs and Drought

Farmers in Uganda’s Lango sub-region are calling on the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to tackle soaring agricultural input prices and climate change impacts. They warn that prolonged droughts, costly and often substandard supplies are eroding productivity in soybean farming.

The National Oil Seed Project (NOSP) has brought notable progress through quality seeds, training, and market linkages. In Kole District, the Alito Joint Farmers’ Cooperative has grown from 20 members in 2013 to over 16,800, producing 340 tons last season despite weather issues.

Mr. Thomas Agong highlighted how partnering with Makerere University and receiving 250kg of seeds on credit led to rapid expansion. The group now has 250 seed producers and anticipates higher yields. Meanwhile, a soybean farmers’ manager reported 2,500 tons from 10,232 acres last season, with plans to cultivate 10,333 acres this year.

In Ayeru Sub-county, Mr. Ambrose Ogang noted growth from 10 farmers yielding 43,800kg in 2016 to 464 farmers producing 336,240kg from 845 acres. The project has boosted savings to Shs250 million and improved access to finance.

Beneficiaries like Mr. Dickens Ekwanga and Ms. Bibiana Adello have used earnings for poultry, housing, and equipment. Ms. Acayo Amiina oversees efforts in five Kole sub-counties, aiding poverty reduction, though input affordability persists as a hurdle.

NOSP coordinator Mr. Solomon Okino stated over 25,700 farmers in 1,184 groups farm 250,400 acres, enhancing nutrition, incomes, and food security alongside initiatives like the Parish Development Model.

Still, farmers demand input subsidies, irrigation investments, and land rental controls to safeguard gains. Source: Daily Monitor