Farmers should watch out for pests and diseases
Weather experts say that there is a likelihood of above normal (enhanced) rainfall over several parts of the country, especially over the Lake Victoria Basin and the hilly areas of Rwenzori and Eastern Region.
In a September-December 2023 seasonal rainfall outlook over Uganda, Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), says Western parts of Central Region (Nakaseke and the surrounding areas) rainfall is expected around early to mid-December with a near (average) to above normal (above average). The same amount of rainfall is expected in the Eastern parts of Central (Mukono and the surrounding areas). UNMA says normal and above normal rainfall is expected in Central and Western Lake Victoria Basin (Kampala, Wakiso, Kalangala, Mpigi, Masaka, Mityana and the surrounding areas). The same amount of rainfall is also expected over Eastern Lake Victoria Basin (Jinja, Bugiri, Tororo and the surrounding areas).
According to UNMA, South Western Highlands (Kabale, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Buhweju, Rwampara and the surrounding areas will have near normal (average) rainfall with a spillover up to around January 2024.
The impact, UNMA says there is a potential of increases incidences of crop pests and diseases, destruction of crops in areas prone to flooding, water logging, hailstorms and landslides; increased soil erosion in highland districts and post harvest losses among others.
On a positive note, the Authority says there is a potential of a boost in crop production leading to optimum crop yield, water availability for crop germination and growth as well as crop production of high water crops like rice, yams and sugarcane.
The Authority advises those in areas prone to water logging to plant crops like yam, rice and sugarcane, and plan for early stocking and delivery of farm inputs by partners prior to the onset of seasonal rains. UNMA also advises farmers to plant improved varieties such as longe series, NABE series and quick maturing varieties, and consider good agronomic practices like timely weeding, spacing of crops, thinning and timely harvesting among others.
