Conflict sparks in Karamoja over deadline for tractor hire scheme

MAAIF launched the pilot tractor hire scheme in Nabilatuk district to support farmers in Karamoja to boost food production. Ten tractors were delivered to start the study for three weeks before giving the tractors out to other districts in the region.

However, leaders in the District say they still need support from the tractors as demand for them has increased exponentially over the three weeks period with more farmers opening up land to prep for farming.

Paul Lokol, the LCV Chairperson of Nabilatuk argued that since the district was considered for the pilot study of the tractor hire scheme, there is no need to hurry taking it to another district without assessing the progress.

The Nabilatuk Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Jacinta Ayo, asserted that the tractors should be left to serve the interest of farmers. Ayo said that other districts should make do with the few tractors the ministry has already given out to them in order to catch up with the rainy season.

Scheme pilot performance

Simon Lokut, the Nabilatuk District Agricultural Officer said their target is to plough at least 2,000 acres of farmlands before giving them out to other districts.

He argued the three weeks deadline was unrealistic for the backlog and that government should let the farmers meet this season's expectations.

Joseph Otita, the LCIII Chairperson of Rupa Sub County in Moroto district said that the Initiative for tractor hire scheme was a good idea that was poorly implemented.

Otita said the rotational basis of the tractors in all districts cannot help farmers beat the deadline for the rainy season.

The tractors which were mobilized from Namalere Agricultural Research Center are being kept and managed by Nabuin Zonal Agricultural Research Institute in Nabilatuk district where farmers hire at a rate of 80,000 Shillings per acre.

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