Sh800m Bunyangabu solar-powered irrigation scheme to boost crop yields

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The government, through the water and environment ministry has commissioned a solar-powered irrigation scheme to provide water to farmers in Njaara Y’abaana village, Kaina parish, Rwimi sub-county, Bunyangabu district.

Constructed on 16 acres of land at a cost of sh800 million, the Kaina solar-powered irrigation scheme will benefit six homesteads, a primary school, and a mosque. The scheme enables farmers to irrigate their crops year-round using a hosepipe system to distribute water across their gardens.

The project was commissioned over the weekend by gender and culture state minister, Peace Mutuuzo. Farmers in the area are now focusing on growing onions, tomatoes, green pepper, beans, and watermelon.

John Kasaija Mwirima, the LCI chairperson of Njaara Y’abaana village and one of the beneficiaries, told New Vision that the project has already yielded significant benefits. Unlike before, when they relied solely on rainfall, they can now cultivate crops throughout the year.

One of the farmers showing Minister Peace Mutuuzo green pepper after commissioning the Kaina solar power irrigation scheme over the weekend. (Photo by Adolf Ayoreka)

“When the project was completed last year, we were allowed to start planting crops and irrigating them. I tilled a small portion and planted tomatoes, and I can confirm that the intense sunshine did not affect us,” Kasaija said.

Minister Mutuuzo assured farmers that the government’s goal is to ensure the 16-acre project produces sufficient yields, particularly tomatoes and onions, to meet the growing market demand in the country.

She further noted that the project would serve as a demonstration farm, equipping other farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to improve their farming practices.

“This project will enable our farmers, especially those growing high-value crops like green pepper and onions, to plant about five seasons a year, unlike before when they only managed two,” Mutuuzo stated.

She added, “It is high time our farmers transitioned from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. This will strengthen our agricultural sector. We need our farmers to view agriculture as a business, not just as a means of survival.”

Eng. James Kamoga, from the water and environment ministry’s water Department of Water for Production, said that about 600 people, including Kaina Primary School pupils, will benefit from the project.

Kamoga highlighted that, based on assessments, a farmer investing around sh3 million in an acre of onions could earn up to sh25 million in return.

“Because there is a constant water supply, farmers can plant tomatoes during the dry season when other parts of the country are unable to grow crops,” Kamoga said.

He added that this would give local farmers a competitive advantage in the market, as many in other regions remain dependent on rainfall.

Immaculate Kabasinguzi, another beneficiary, noted a significant increase in yields since the project’s inception.

“Before we had water, an acre of beans would yield only two to three sacks. Now, with irrigation, we can harvest five to seven sacks per acre,” Kabasinguzi said.

Farmers in Njaara Y’abaana village are optimistic that the project will transform their livelihoods, helping them shift from subsistence to commercial farming.

The scheme sources its water from Njaara Y’abaana crater lake, pumping it using solar power to reservoir tanks before distributing it by gravity.