The Ministry of Water and Environment in Uganda has issued a warning to farmers against the misuse of irrigation, as the country's agriculture continues to be threatened by unpredictable rainfall and prolonged dry spells. Experts are advocating for modern irrigation practices as a vital tool to increase yields, conserve water, and build climate resilience. According to Eng Dominic Banaga Mucunguzi, Assistant Commissioner for Water Resources Planning and Management, agriculture cannot exist without water, but irrigation requires careful management to avoid erosion.
Eng Mucunguzi highlighted three main challenges facing farmers from a water perspective: too much water during the rainy season, too little water during the dry season, and poor water quality due to agricultural practices. He proposed solutions such as harvesting rainwater during the wet season for use during the dry season. This approach can help mitigate the effects of erratic weather patterns and ensure a steady water supply for farming. The Ministry is working to promote sustainable farming practices and explore practical solutions for irrigation management.
The second Green Drops Summit in Kampala brought together government officials, irrigation specialists, technology providers, and development partners to discuss sustainable farming solutions. The conference, organized by Sprinktech Company, Uganda's leading Water and Energy Solutions provider, aimed to address the challenges facing Uganda's agriculture sector. The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and expertise on modern irrigation practices and climate-smart solutions.
According to Mr. Javan Mukundane, CEO of Sprinktech Company, reliable irrigation is crucial to protect livelihoods and stabilize food production in Uganda, where about 80% of the population depends on agriculture. He emphasized the need for modern irrigation systems that can report back to farmers on crop conditions and adjust irrigation schedules accordingly. Such systems can help farmers optimize water use, reduce waste, and increase yields.
International experts attending the summit stressed the importance of joint delivery of climate-smart solutions tailored to Ugandan farmers. Mr. Karin Jeannette, CEO of ENNOS AG, a Swiss clean-tech company, highlighted the potential for high-efficiency surface solar water pumps to promote low-cost production. Mr. Gaurav Sharma of Kirloskar Fluid Dynamics (Varuna) pointed to solar pumps as a reliable alternative where grid power is weak or costly.
The adoption of modern irrigation practices is expected to have a positive impact on Uganda's agriculture sector, which employs about 80% of the population. By increasing yields, conserving water, and building climate resilience, farmers can improve their livelihoods and contribute to food security. The government and development partners are working to support farmers in adopting sustainable farming practices and modern irrigation technologies.
As Uganda continues to grapple with the challenges of erratic weather patterns, the importance of modern irrigation practices cannot be overstated. With the right tools and technologies, farmers can reduce their vulnerability to climate change and improve their productivity. The Ministry of Water and Environment, in collaboration with stakeholders, is working to promote sustainable irrigation practices and support the growth of Uganda's agriculture sector.
Key points
- Experts push for modern irrigation practices to boost yields, conserve water, and build climate resilience in Uganda's agriculture sector.
