El Nino Here Soon, Says Agric Minister

By Patrick Luganda The El Nino this year will not be as strong as the last extensive and destructive one that occurred in 1997-1998, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Kisamba Mugerwa, has said.Mugerwa, in a nationwide message to the farming community, said the weather forecast for the remaining part of the year indicates development of the El Nino weather pattern of above normal rainfall in some places with prolonged drought in others.“It will have significant impact during the second rainy season from September to December. Most expert opinion have formed a consensus that moderate El Nino conditions will continue to develop throughout the year,” Mugerwa said.Climate forecasters predict that long dry spells will prevail in most parts of the country, tending to develop into drought. They further warn of heavy rains soon after the long dry spells.“With these weather extremes, it is important to take precautions to reduce the negative effects. To cope with the expected drought, you are advised to conserve the available soil moisture by mulching your crops, especially coffee and bananas,” Mugerwa said.He also warned of possible outbreaks of unusual pests and diseases for both crops and livestock. He reminded livestock farmers to utilise the available harvested water sparingly in areas where the drought period has already started.“It is important to reduce livestock to a manageable size by selling off the fattened or unproductive stocks. This will enable you to stock in accordance with the carrying capacity of the available pastures and raise quality animals,” he said.As a measure to conserve pastures during the expected drought, farmers have been ordered to stop the widespread practice of bush burning so as to maintain soil cover and preserve standing hay for animals.“District councils are reminded to enforce by-laws stopping the burning of grass...It is the duty of every Ugandan to be mindful of food security. You are all encouraged to store enough food for your subsistence needs,” Mugerwa said.Food shortages have been reported in some parts of the north and north east of the country as the dry spell begins to bite.Ends