“TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FIRST RAINS, PLANT DROUGHT RESISTANT CROPS,” FARMERS ADVISED.

By Kaleb Yiki

Arua City

As the First Rains pour in different parts of West Nile Region, Farmers have been advised to Plant Drought Resistant Crops Early. According to Uganda National Meteorological Authority’s March to May 2023 Seasonal Rainfall outlook, for North Western Region; the onset of the rains is expected to be around Mid to late March where, the Peak of the seasonal rain is expected to occur around late April to May; thereafter, a moderate relaxation of rains is expected around Mid-June.

O’dia Elias, a farmer from Omgboa Village in Nicu Parish, Bileafe Sub county in Terego District is excited about the heavy rainfalls in his area. “The Heavy rains we received filled our streams to the fullest and we shall use the Rains to plant Soya beans, Maize and Cassava.” He expressed. Meanwhile, Yondo Martin, a farmer from Pajuru Parish in Arivu Sub County in Arua District Says, farmers should have prepared their fields ready for the planting season before the onset of rains. “The Advantage of Early Field preparation and early planting is that the hot sun kills Pests and Diseases exposed to it and by the time those not exposed reach the soil surface, the Crop Plants are already in Advance growth stage that cannot be eaten by the pests”. He explained.

Similarly, Echoni Michael, An agricultural Extension Officer with Omia agribusiness in Arua City advises farmers to desist from getting seeds from vendors who cannot tell them the seed details they are buying. “The Rains are here! And I appeal to farmers to purchase crops from certified seed dealers, and that the seeds bought must have High Germinability, be Drought Resistant, have clear seed History and not pest infested.” He Advised.
The North Western Region of Uganda is Likely to receive near normal or closer to average rainfall in the districts of Arua, Maracha, Koboko, Terego, Yumbe, Obongi, Moyo, Adjumani, Madi Okollo, Zombo, Nebbi and Pakwach.