More than 40 commercial farmers in the Karamoja sub-region of northeastern Uganda are counting significant financial losses after a severe dry spell destroyed over 200 acres of wheat, wiping out the region’s first major government-backed attempt to cultivate the crop.
Introduced earlier this year by the government through the Karamoja Mixed Farmers Cooperative Society Limited, the project was designed to transform the region’s agrarian economy, boost food security, and establish a local seed-multiplication hub.
The wheat multiplication drive initially targeted over 100 growers across Nakapiripirit, Napak, Kotido, and Abim districts.
However, lingering fears of climate volatility and late input deliveries led only about 40 farmers to proceed with cultivation, each planting up to six acres after investing approximately 3.5 million Ugandan Shillings in land preparation and transport.
Although early-season rains allowed the wheat to germinate well following May planting, a persistent dry spell that began mid-month caused crops to wither rapidly under intense heat.
According to Mark Abuku, Chairperson of the Karamoja Mixed Farmers Cooperative Society Limited, out of eight metric tonnes (8,000 kg) of government-supplied wheat seed, farmers planted only 3,690 kg and ultimately harvested a meagre 200 kg due to heat stress and crop failure.
Local growers, such as Napak District agricultural officer Charles Moru and Nakapiripirit farmer Norah Lokadio, noted that in addition to the absence of rain-fed moisture, challenges were exacerbated by a lack of specialised agronomic training and uncontrolled livestock grazing.
Despite the setback, cooperative leaders and affected farmers maintain optimism regarding Karamoja’s agricultural potential, pointing to successful historical trials in 2014 when rain conditions were favourable.
Farmers have appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture and development partners for subsidised irrigation equipment, mechanisation support, specialised technical guidance, and fresh seed allocations to rebuild their momentum ahead of the next planting season.
Source: The Independent News
