Local farmers in Agoro sub-county, Lamwo District have expressed concern over the delayed unfulfilled promises made by the President of the Republic of Uganda through the Ministry of water and environment to reconstruct Agoro self-help irrigation scheme projected at a tune of 27 billion shillings.
The promises which included introducing modern irrigation systems, construction of roads and rural electrification of the area were made during the commission of the irrigation project in 2013 with the aim of boosting agricultural productivity in Lamwo District.
Grace Acaye, a resident of Pobar parish,Tegot Kwera East village in Agoro sub-county, Lamwo revealed that majority of the farmers have abandoned the use of the irrigation scheme due to low production being realized at the site.
Paul Oceng, a resident of Tegot Kwera North appeals to the government to consider urgent renovation of the scheme to match with the levels of farmlands.
Lukoya Isaac, another farmer and a resident of Goloro C Pobar Parish said the farmers have resorted to using traditional sandbags to raise the water levels flowing from the channels .
In Agoro Sub-County, the agricultural backbone of the community rests on the Agoro Self-Help Irrigation Scheme. This vital infrastructure has long been the lifeblood of local farmers, providing them with the means to cultivate their lands even in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. However, a promise made by the State House to renovate and upgrade this scheme has remained unfulfilled, leaving farmers in a state of frustration and uncertainty.
The Agoro Self-Help Irrigation Scheme, once a beacon of hope for the farming community, is now in a state of disrepair. The aging infrastructure is unable to meet the growing demands of the farmers, resulting in decreased agricultural productivity and mounting challenges for those who depend on the scheme for their livelihoods.
In light of these pressing issues, farmers in Agoro Sub-County have come together to demand the immediate fulfillment of the promise made by the State House to renovate the irrigation scheme. They argue that the successful revitalization of this critical infrastructure is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity for the sustenance of their livelihoods and the prosperity of the entire community.
The delay in fulfilling this promise has had far-reaching consequences for the farmers in Agoro Sub-County. With each passing day, they are faced with mounting losses, decreased crop yields, and a growing sense of disillusionment with the authorities who made commitments that have yet to materialize.
The demand for the renovation of the Agoro Self-Help Irrigation Scheme is not just about improving infrastructure; it is about restoring hope and ensuring the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the region. By investing in the modernization of this vital irrigation system, the State House has the opportunity to not only uplift the farming community in Agoro Sub-County but also to demonstrate its commitment to supporting rural development and food security.
As the voices of the farmers in Agoro Sub-County grow louder, it is imperative that their demands are heard and acted upon swiftly. The time for promises and delays is over; what is needed now is concrete action to fulfill the pledge made to the farming community and to pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.
