Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, has urged farmers as well as local and foreign investors to make use of solar powered water pumps in agriculture. This, he said, is with a view to drive the economy of the country.
According to the president, these solar powered pumps come in handy in times when the weather is unreliable.
As such, he has asked investors to come up with solar solutions for the prevailing predicament. Solar energy is an integral energy resource that sources its strength from the sun. This characteristic renders it as environmental friendly with great potential to steer the economic prowess of any country.
Also Read: Energy solutions for solar agricultural pumps
According to media reports, Uganda is planning to increase the irrigation coverage. This goes hand in hand with the projected expansion of the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the use of irrigation means that crops have a steady water supply. This is instead of relying on rain.
President Museveni also said that his government is ready to work with the investors to help farmers access these facilities and services at minimal cost. He further added that the pumps will be used in the government irrigation schemes and will later on be extended to the farmers.
The President’s move to reduce the agricultural sector came into question earlier on this month. This is after the release of an analysis raising ongoing concerns over the sector as the main contributor to the country’s GDP. The analysis also pointed out the need for funds to finance development projects in the country. However, it remains to be seen if this approach would water down the need for more funds.
In the meantime, Ugandan farmers have been urged to apply more fertilizers to bolster their harvests. This, however, poses a challenge to mist of them owing to the high prices of the fertilizers.
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