Know what to grow in your agricultural zone

Feb 03, 2009

FARMING is a business and must be well-planned and managed. But often, farmers venture into agricultural enterprises, where inputs exceed the expected profits. but thanks to an agricultural zoning system, prospects of productivity are brighter.

By Kikonyogo Ngatya

FARMING is a business and must be well-planned and managed. But often, farmers venture into agricultural enterprises, where inputs exceed the expected profits.

Take for instance a farmer in Wakiso venturing into ostrich farming. While it is it is profitable, the inputs to secure the health of the birds and land may be higher compared to those for a farmer in Kotido with vast land, favourable temperatures and ostrich food.

On discovering not all areas could pursue similar agricultural benefits, the government has divided the country into seven agricultural systems to promote productivity levels.

The zones, under the agricultural zoning policy are based on agro-ecological zones, soil types, rainfall and cropping patterns, so that people in those areas find it easier and economically viable to pursue certain agro enterprises.

Florence Kabugo, the National Agricultural Advisory Services enterprises development officer overseeing the policy implementation, said farmers easily get information on markets.
“They can pool together produce so that they can demand for better pay from the bulk,” she said.
Other information on post-harvest handling, land opening, inputs and better farming techniques are also easily availed.

Selected enterprises by zone/districts:


Zone I

Moroto, northern Kotido,eastern Kitgum — gum, arabica, simsim, apiculture, goats, cattle, ostrich and sunflower

Zone II

Pader, Kitgum, eastern Lira, Katakwi, southern Sironko, northern Kapchorwa, Nakapiripirit, southern Kotido — apiculture, cattle, pulses, sunflower and cassava.

Zone III

Adjumani,western Nebbi, Arua, Moyo, Yumbe, northern Gulu, northern Apac, western Lira — spices, tobbacco, apiculture, cotton, pulses and robusta coffee

Zone IV

Eastern Nebbi, south-western Gulu, western Masindi — spices,fisheries, cassava, apiculture, cattle, goats and cotton.

Zone V

Kayunga, Kamuli, Iganga, northern Bugiri, Tororo, northern Busia, southern Mbale, Paliisa, Kumi, Soroti, Kaberamaido, southern Lira, southern Apac — fisheries, apiculture, maize, pulses, cattle, cassava and goats.

Zone VI
Kampala, Mukono, Wakiso, eastern Mpigi, eastern Masaka, eastern Rakai, Kabalagala, Jinja, Mayuge, southern Bugiri, southern Busia — robusta coffee, fisheries, spices, floriculture, horticulture, vanilla, cocoa and dairy cattle.

Zone VII

Hoima, Kiboga, southern Luweero, Mubende, Kibaale, Kyenjojo, Kabarole, Kamwenge, southern Kasese — robusta coffe, tea, apiculture, maize, bananas, beans, and cattle.

Zone VIII

Eastern Masindi, Nakasongola, northern Luweero, central Kiboga, southern Mubende, western Mpigi, western Masaka, western Rakai, Sembabule, eastern Mbarara, southern Ntungamo, northern Bundibugyo — beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, spices bird's eye chillies, apiculture, citrus and pineapples.

Zone IX

Western Mbarara, Bushenyi, northern Ntungamo, Rukungiri, northern Kanungu — robusta coffee, tea, dairy cattle, fisheries, bananas, vanilla and tobacco.

Zone X

Northern Mbale, southern Sironko, southern Kapchorwa, southern Kanungu, Kabale, Kisoro, northern Kasese, southern Bundibugyo — arabica coffee, passion fruit, vanilla, dairy cattle, spices cardamom,white/black pepper, maize and irish potatoes.

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