“New Skills in Crop Production Will Lead to Massive Yields”, Farmers in Rii Rangu Payam Asserted

“New Skills in Crop Production Will Lead to Massive Yields”, Farmers in Rii Rangu Payam Asserted

By Baraka John

Local farmers at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Rii Ranga Payam of Yambio County are optimistic about a substantial agricultural yield this season, thanks to comprehensive farm training. These sessions have covered essential aspects such as site selection, land clearance, land preparation, land division, seed selection, and planting.

On Tuesday, 11th June 2024, the Catholic Organization for Peace and Development (COPDE) extended their training on crop production to the Zereda Farmers Association under the Our Lady of Mercy Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio (CDTY). Participants expressed optimism for significant farm produce this season, attributing their confidence to the new skills they acquired, which they believe herald a new era of crop production.

Angelina Dominic Dabi, a farmer, shared her journey, stating, "The acquisition of these new skills in crop production has empowered our farmer's association to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for our communities through producing quality food." She encouraged community members to embrace cultivation and reduce reliance on imported food, questioning, “The beans and rice we eat today were cultivated by fellow farmers like us in Uganda, it was not their government that cultivated them. So, what about us, why can’t we do the same?”

The training, led by CODEP, is seen as a catalyst for achieving unprecedented productivity. Mwenda Kamau of the Zereda Farmers Association remarked that the training has enlightened farmers to adopt modern farming practices over ancient methods. "We've recognized the need to adapt to changing times and equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today's agricultural landscape," he noted.

Mr. Odrande Tako, CODEP’s Human Resource Manager, who also facilitated a lesson on safeguarding policy, reaffirmed CODEP's commitment to supporting farmers in excelling at crop production as a means to alleviate hunger in the diocese and community. He emphasized, “The training will focus on pest control, so I urge you to commit yourselves and work hard using the new skills you have acquired today so that we have sufficient food by the end of the season.”

As the agricultural landscape evolves, driven by a blend of traditional wisdom and modern advancements, farmers in Rii Ranga are poised to benefit from their dedication to continuous learning and improvement. Their journey towards enhanced crop production includes exploring precision farming techniques and integrating sustainable practices, ensuring they remain at the forefront of agricultural transformation.