ARUA CITY EXPERIENCES HIGH DEMAND FOR FARM IMPLEMENTS

Some of the farm implements and inputs on display at Zion-Harvest Agro-Input shop in Arua City (All photos by Surundu Nemezio)

By Surundu Nemezio

Arua City

The ongoing rainfall in Arua City has led to increased demand for farm implements as farmers approach the end of the second planting season. These tools help save time, reduce manual labor, and boost crop production.

Despite the higher demand, the prices of farm implements such as watering cans and hand sprayers have remained unchanged since last planting season, according to local agro-input shop dealers like Zion Harvest and Omia Agri-Business.

Fred Onzima, an agronomist at Zion Harvest, states that the current demand has little impact on prices.

”since last year, when you check the price of watering can, it has not changed even the nexup sprayers, there prices have not changed. The price have just remained the way it is since last season and up to now we have not changed the prices. Sometimes even the demands are there, it’s not all that you charge the farmers according to the demands. We just maintain our prices for these farm implements such that we can also keep our farmers engaged in the activities that they are doing” he said.

Hand sprayer on display one of the farm implements at Zion harvest Arua city.

Jamal Asibuku, working with Omia Agri-Business development group, explains that the prices of the implements are mainly influenced by the quality of the implements and the rising fuel costs, which have caused slight variations.

“We are in the second season and the second season is coming to an end, we have products and there prices ranges according to their qualities, as fuel prices increases, all the prices are going up and we admit that some of the prices have gone up but other prices have remained the same due to the fuel increment in our area” he said.

Farm implements can significantly benefit farmers by increasing their net profits, accelerating crop production, and reducing financial risks. Lower tool and machinery costs enable farmers to achieve better returns on their investments. They are able to retain more earnings after selling their crops.

Implements like small tractors, planters, and weeders facilitate timely plowing and harvesting, ensuring efficiency. Cost savings on equipment allow farmers to invest more in quality seeds, soil management, and water systems, thus improving overall productivity.

Despite high demand driven by favorable weather, the stability of implement prices helps farmers maintain affordability. Investing in affordable mechanization enhances their productivity and profitability, fostering sustainable farming practices in Arua City.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis