The Ministry of Water and Environment has projected that the intermittent rainfall currently being experienced across the Acholi sub-region will continue until mid-June, offering some relief to farmers but raising concerns about the overall performance of the agricultural season.
According to the ministry’s July–August weather outlook, Acholi is expected to receive occasional and isolated showers during the remainder of the first rainy season. However, officials warn that the rains may not be sufficient to fully compensate for the prolonged dry spell experienced earlier in the season.
The forecast indicates that agricultural production in the region could be affected, particularly because many farmers planted their crops later than usual due to delayed rainfall. As a result, reduced soil moisture levels are expected to negatively impact crop growth and yields.
Agriculture experts also caution that coffee farmers may experience flower abortion, a condition in which coffee blossoms fail to develop into berries, due to the effects of the extended dry conditions experienced in recent months.
The Ministry noted that the changing weather patterns continue to pose challenges to agricultural productivity and food security, especially for communities that rely heavily on rain-fed farming.
To minimize losses, farmers have been advised to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, including irrigation where possible, mulching to conserve soil moisture, and the cultivation of fast-maturing and improved crop varieties that can better withstand erratic weather conditions.
The ministry further encouraged farmers to closely follow weather advisories and seek guidance from agricultural extension workers to make informed planting and harvesting decisions.
Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy in the Acholi sub-region, with the majority of households depending on crop production for both food and income. Weather forecasts are therefore closely monitored by farmers seeking to maximize production amid increasingly unpredictable climatic conditions.
Officials say continued monitoring of rainfall patterns will help guide future advisories as the region progresses into the next agricultural season.
GULU — The Ministry of Water and Environment has projected that the intermittent rainfall currently being experienced across the Acholi sub-region will continue until mid-June, offering some relief to farmers but raising concerns about the overall performance of the agricultural season.
According to the ministry’s July–August weather outlook, Acholi is expected to receive occasional and isolated showers during the remainder of the first rainy season. However, officials warn that the rains may not be sufficient to fully compensate for the prolonged dry spell experienced earlier in the season.
The forecast indicates that agricultural production in the region could be affected, particularly because many farmers planted their crops later than usual due to delayed rainfall. As a result, reduced soil moisture levels are expected to negatively impact crop growth and yields.
Agriculture experts also caution that coffee farmers may experience flower abortion, a condition in which coffee blossoms fail to develop into berries, due to the effects of the extended dry conditions experienced in recent months.
The Ministry noted that the changing weather patterns continue to pose challenges to agricultural productivity and food security, especially for communities that rely heavily on rain-fed farming.
To minimize losses, farmers have been advised to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, including irrigation where possible, mulching to conserve soil moisture, and the cultivation of fast-maturing and improved crop varieties that can better withstand erratic weather conditions.
The ministry further encouraged farmers to closely follow weather advisories and seek guidance from agricultural extension workers to make informed planting and harvesting decisions.
Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy in the Acholi sub-region, with the majority of households depending on crop production for both food and income. Weather forecasts are therefore closely monitored by farmers seeking to maximize production amid increasingly unpredictable climatic conditions.
Officials say continued monitoring of rainfall patterns will help guide future advisories as the region progresses into the next agricultural season.
