Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-02-01 22:25:15
Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has recently encouraged farmers in the Acholi sub-region to consider switching to perennial crops that have the potential to generate higher profits, rather than continuing to focus on growing cotton. Speaking during a radio talk show on Rupiny FM in Gulu city, Owiny-Dollo emphasized the need for a shift in agricultural practices, particularly in light of the current poverty situation that many farmers in the sub-region are facing.
According to Owiny-Dollo, the majority of farmers in the Acholi sub-region are currently growing cotton, a crop that yields low market prices and does little to uplift them from poverty. He highlighted the stark contrast in earnings, noting that while a cotton farmer may only earn between Shs 500,000 and Shs 700,000 from an acre of land, a farmer growing coffee on the same size of land can earn about Shs 15 million. This stark contrast in earnings illustrates the potential for greater financial stability and improved livelihoods if farmers were to focus on more profitable crops.
In an effort to promote the transition to perennial crops, Owiny-Dollo’s initiative involves introducing highly valued crops such as macadamia, cashew nut, banana, avocado, and cocoa in the Acholi sub-region. By encouraging farmers to embrace these crops, he hopes to lead the region towards economic prosperity and restoration of its former glory.
Despite the potential benefits of transitioning to perennial crops, there are some who are skeptical of the feasibility of this shift, particularly in relation to the region’s weather conditions. Critics argue that the Acholi sub-region’s climate may not be conducive to growing crops like coffee and banana. However, Owiny-Dollo’s initiative has already made significant strides in distributing over 50,000 macadamia seedlings to farmers in Agago, Gulu city, Amuru, and Nwoya districts. This indicates a growing interest and participation in the cultivation of perennial crops within the sub-region.
On the other hand, there are also farmers who continue to advocate for cotton farming, citing its profitability and the financial stability it has provided over the years. For instance, Ronald Fred Kidega, a cotton farmer in Tultul village, notes that the environment in his area favors the growing of cotton and argues that while it’s a good idea to engage in the growing of coffee, cotton farming remains a profitable venture. Last farming season, Kidega was able to harvest one and a half tons of cotton from three acres of land, anticipating an income of about Shs 5.4 million.
In fact, cotton has historically been a major crop in the Acholi sub-region, with over 17,000 farmers growing cotton in the districts of Kitgum, Pader, Lamwo, and Agago. Last year alone, the region produced more than 15 million kilograms of cotton. Despite the fluctuating prices of cotton and the challenges posed by current insecurity on the Red Sea affecting export costs, cotton has continued to support numerous farmers and households, enabling them to overcome poverty and improve their living conditions.
While the debate between perennial crops and cotton continues, it is clear that the region’s agricultural landscape is at a pivotal point. The introduction of perennial crops and the continued cultivation of cotton both have their merits and challenges. As farmers face the decision of whether to transition to alternative crops or continue with cotton farming, it is important for leaders and stakeholders to consider the long-term implications of these choices and provide support to ensure the prosperity of farmers and the sustainable development of the Acholi sub-region.
Read Original article on The Observer
