Uganda Prioritizes Mechanized Agriculture and Irrigation in Five-Year Plan

Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries is placing a strong emphasis on mechanizing agricultural practices over the next five years. Minister Frank Tumwebaze announced that this strategic shift is crucial for enhancing agricultural output and driving rural development.

The primary challenge identified in the sector has been its heavy reliance on manual labor and the unpredictable forces of nature. Mechanization is expected to empower farmers to cultivate larger areas with greater ease, thereby increasing overall productivity. Furthermore, it is anticipated to support value addition processes, generate employment opportunities, and stimulate ancillary businesses and infrastructure development.

To facilitate this transition, the government plans to procure and distribute 10,000 tractors within the five-year period. This initiative aims to make agricultural machinery more accessible and affordable to farmers. The strategy includes establishing 21 mechanization centers across the country and implementing a cost-sharing model for tractor acquisition involving government, commercial farmers, and producer groups.

Additionally, irrigation is being promoted as a vital component to combat erratic weather patterns and ensure consistent crop yields. The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment, has developed a National Irrigation Development Plan, awaiting funding, to bolster food and income security through sustainable farming.

Significant progress has already been made, with 1,080 assorted tractors and 1,350 single-axle tractors acquired and deployed since 2018. Over 2,000 tractor operators and technicians have also been trained to ensure effective machinery operation. The country has seen the completion of 10 large-scale irrigation schemes, increasing the area under formal irrigation by 7,203 hectares, with more projects underway.

The Parish Development Model (PDM) has also been instrumental in transforming household economies, particularly for smallholder farmers, by improving financial inclusion. The government has invested Shs4.4 trillion in parish SACCOs since the program’s inception.

These efforts are showing results, with the agriculture sector’s contribution to GDP rising to 26.2% and accounting for approximately 40% of Uganda’s export earnings. Parliament is set to further debate these strategies in upcoming sittings.

Source: Parliament of Uganda