Okidi Patrick, Amolatar – Despite the challenges posed by rapid climate change, Amolatar-based journalist Alele Ronald Ongwech is looking forward to a bountiful harvest. With just two weeks to go before reaping his sunflower crop, Ongwech is optimistic about selling his produce in the bustling markets of Lira City and Soroti.
In an interview from his farm in Agikdak village, Amolatar district, Ongwech explained that he has successfully balanced his journalism career with agriculture to supplement his income. His four-hectare sunflower plantation is expected to yield over 4 million Ugandan shillings.
The journalist added that he is also cultivating a five-hectare sesame (simsim) farm, which requires weeding within the next week. He planted the Angura sunflower variety in early June during the second planting season.
Ongwech plans to personally supervise the harvesting process to minimize costs. However, he expressed concern about bird attacks on his sunflower crop, employing four people to scare away the birds until harvest time.
As a role model for aspiring journalists, Ongwech encourages young people to embrace entrepreneurship and engage in income-generating activities like poultry farming and agriculture.
