FARMERS OUGHT TO USE SUSTAINABLE IRRRIGATION AS BEST OPTION FOR CONTINOUS PRODUCTION
Groundnuts growing using the drip irrigation at Lems aggrotech. Photo by Sunday Amandi.
By Sunday Amandi
Arua city
Farmers are encouraged to employ sustainable irrigation methods in their production to supplement the un-reliable rainfall pattern for both commercial and subsistence agriculture.
Sustainable irrigation is the practical use of all activities associated with the watering of plants, in such a way that it aids in meeting current survival and welfare needs without jeopardizing future generations.
The Key principles in this includes using efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation or rainwater harvesting, optimizing irrigation scheduling, and selecting crops well-suited to local climate and water availability, its goal is to achieve maximum yield with minimal water input while preserving the natural environment.
Richard Lematia, the founder of LEMS Agrotech that focuses on the modern agronomic practices in Ewuata calls on the farmers to use the most sustainable irrigation method that is aiding his production in this dry season, for getting better outcomes.
“Whether you are doing crops or animals, you still need an alternative source of water, we actually don’t have a season, our production is throughout the year, this is only possible because we have an alternative source of water,” Richard said.
Irrigation promotes resilience against drought and food insecurity, and this method is supporting the production of the different types of vegetables at LEMS agrotech.
However, Gerald Adriko, an irrigation expert working with Omia agri-business says, there are also local and traditional irrigation methods that small holder farmers can afford to aid their production throughout the year.
“There are a lot of local methods of irrigation, irrigation is about giving water to the plants so that they can grow, we have local or traditional irrigation systems, basically what farmers need is water but not necessarily rain,” said Gerald.
The main goal for irrigation is to provide plants with the proper amount of water at the best time.
Adequate soil water will influence the entire growth process of crops and it supports in food security.
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