Jerrycan: A multipurpose material on the farm

Jul 27, 2017

They can depreciate in one chore but become very much important in another.

(Credit: Ruth Nanfuka)

AGRIBUSINESS


Jerrycans are essential multipurpose materials on the farm. They may depreciate in one chore but become very much important in another.

According to Joseph Katusiime, a cattle farmer in Buwambo, people carry and store water on the farm in jerrycans but time comes when they start leaking and cannot help anymore for that purpose.

As a famrer, when that happens, he says you can utilize it in a different way, like as a feeding trough or drinker.

That way, a farmer cuts expenses.

Apart from using the 'retired' jerrycans as feeders and drinkers, you can as well use them to 'repair' those that can still carry water but have holes.

Katusiime says you can cut the worn out jerrycan into two and dress the half through the bottom of the good jerry can for protection.

You can also cut the bad jerrycan into small pieces, heat them and use the melted material to mend the leaking cans.

 

Eseza Nakawooya is a chicken farmer in Buloba who utilizes jerrycans as feeders and drinkers.

She says place the jerrycan down horizontally and cut two parallel openings on each side for easy access of the feeds or drinks.

Old jerrycans can also be used as watering cans.

Draw holes at the bottom of the can and use it to water your plants.

As the saying goes, nothing on the farm should be thrown away, not even animal waste. Nakawooya says you can carry waste from chickens and other animals to the garden as manure.

Get jerrycans from shops, either brand new or secondhand, to carry products like cooking oil or paint.

Katusiime says the jerrycans that previously were used to carry cooking oil or paint are more suitable for farm work because they are stronger than those made for carrying water.

Alice Kawooya, a retail shop attendant in Kawempe, says a new 20-litre jerrycan costs sh4, 000 and a 10-litre one sh2, 000. But the costs vary depending on where you are buying from.

 

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