Overview of the Achomai Irrigation Scheme
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today commissioned the Achomai Irrigation Scheme in Kamutur Sub-county, Bukedea District, a cornerstone project valued at Shs71 billion. The facility is designed to transform dry-land farming into a reliable, water-secure system that can sustain rice production while protecting wetlands. The launch signals a push toward modernizing agriculture through irrigation, enabling farmers to cultivate high-value crops with less dependence on rainfall.
What the Scheme Includes
The Achomai project comprises a network of canals, pumps, drainage, and irrigation infrastructure intended to deliver consistent water supply during the dry season. By expanding access to irrigation, farmers can plan planting and harvest cycles with greater predictability, reduce crop losses from drought, and increase yields. The initiative aligns with national goals to diversify crops, promote value addition, and boost rural incomes.
Rice as a Strategic Crop
Among the crops highlighted during today’s event is rice, a staple with growing market demand across the region. The new irrigation system makes dry-land rice farming a viable, safer alternative to encroaching wetlands, supporting environmental stewardship while expanding farmers’ revenue streams. This approach also helps preserve fragile wetland ecosystems by channeling water to cultivated fields in a controlled, sustainable manner.
Economic and Social Impact
Experts anticipate that the Achomai Irrigation Scheme will create jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, and stimulate local businesses tied to agriculture. By stabilizing production, farmers can access credit, participate in value chains, and invest in productivity-enhancing inputs such as certified seeds, fertilizers, and mechanization. In the broader context, irrigation-driven rice farming could improve household food security and contribute to regional food exports in the medium term.
Guidance to Farmers: Safe, Sustainable Practices
In his remarks, President Museveni urged farmers to embrace irrigation-based farming on dry land rather than expanding into wetlands. The recommendation emphasizes safety, environmental protection, and long-term soil health. Farmers are encouraged to adopt best practices in water management, crop rotation, and integrated pest management to ensure sustainable yields without compromising ecological balance.
Environmental and Educational Opportunities
The project also includes components aimed at training farmers, extension services, and knowledge transfer. Regional agricultural offices are expected to provide hands-on demonstrations on irrigation scheduling, soil moisture monitoring, and rice agronomy. The initiative offers a practical path for communities to benefit from modern irrigation technology while respecting local ecosystems.
Looking Ahead
As Bukedea District takes a leading role in this national effort, the Achomai Irrigation Scheme is expected to become a model for similar projects across the country. The blend of infrastructure investment, climate resilience, and farmer empowerment positions it as a key driver of agricultural modernization and rural development in the years ahead.
