What farmers say

Oct 04, 2010

<b>Creating artificial wetlands is possible </b><br>Editor — I am responding to a letter in Harvest Money titled: Can we create artificial swamps? As an environmental journalist and a farmer I have a lot of experience in this and can confidently say yes.<br>One can intentionally or out of ignora

Creating artificial wetlands is possible
Editor — I am responding to a letter in Harvest Money titled: Can we create artificial swamps? As an environmental journalist and a farmer I have a lot of experience in this and can confidently say yes.
One can intentionally or out of ignorance invite an artificial wetland or swamp on their land or compound.

As long as there is a constant supply of water, it will attract aquatic flora and fauna. This can be sewage water or an anti malarial channel from an urban area draining through your land. If it stays there long enough, it is bound to attract aquatic vegetation.
And when this happens, then you are in danger of losing that piece of land to the Government, as the current environmental law says that all water bodies and wetlands belong to the Government. The law does not specify natural or artificial.
FELIX,MBARARA

Roll out cattle branding to other areas in Uganda
Editor — I recently read in the media that the army had started branding cattle in Karamoja as one of the ways to curb cattle rustling in the region. It got me wondering, why has it taken this long to implement this? And why Karamoja alone? Cattle theft is a problem everywhere in Uganda and branding is the only way to combat it. It worked in America’s Wild West, and it can work here. The excuses that branding is abusing animals’ rights and that it affects the quality of the skin is nonsense. These animals suffer more cruelty in the hands of cattle thieves than the temporary pain they feel during branding. Besides, modern methods of branding are not as painful as the old ones, where a red hot piece of metal would be used.
James Namanya,
Mbarara


How can I acquire a walking tractor?
Editor – I have three acres of land where I grow maize and beans. However, I do not have enough manpower to do all the work. A friend advised me to acquire a multi purpose walking tractor. I liked the idea, but I do not know how effective these walking tractors are.
Please advise me?
Ronnie

Before you invest in any new farm machinery, it is advisable to first talk to other farmers who have used it before so that they can share with you their experience. Over the last few years many Ugandan farmers have acquired walking tractors as a step towards mechanising their farms. While some are happy with their acquisitions, there are others who have been disappointed by the quality of some of the walking tractors. If you really want to learn everything about walking tractors, try to attend this year’s trade show at Lugogo UMA show ground, where several dealers will be in attendance.
EDITOR

I need tips on beekeeping
Editor — I have been farming for the last two years and I am earning some good money. But now I would like to venture into bee keeping. However, I have no idea where to begin from. Please give me some tips on bee keeping and contacts of experts in this field.
Steven

You can start by contacting the Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation at Wandegeya or your district entomologist (insect expert). Alternatively, contact Alice Kangare, the principal entomologist for apiary in the Ministry of Agriculture on 0712-273-059
Editor

Teach agriculture at university
Editor — The number of universities in Uganda has increased over the years. While this is a good thing for the country, my concern is that few of these universities offer courses in agriculture. Yet agriculture is the backbone of our economy.
I think this is very unfortunate. Courses like agro entrepreneurship, agro business management and others would go a long way to boosting the agriculture sector, which is facing a shortage of skilled manpower. I think the Government should make it mandatory for every university to offer a minimum number of courses in agriculture. The agriculture sector has many job opportunities that fresh graduates can take up.
Peter Mwema
Mbale

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