The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries delivered six cutter harvester machines and one hand tractor, amounting to over 100 million shillings, to the farmers at the Tochi Rice Irrigation Scheme in Acaba Sub-County, Oyam District last week.
George Okello, the Chairperson of the Tochi Rice Irrigation Scheme, confirmed and stated that the new cutter harvester machines would reduce the cost of labor during harvests, especially for farmers with large hectares. However, he added that the new hand tractor is not operating properly.
William Komakech, the RDC of Oyam District, mentioned that the scheme would soon receive a new tractor, ready for delivery from the Ministry of Agriculture. President Museveni is expected to launch the site and hand over the machines to the farmers soon.
The Tochi Rice Irrigation Scheme was established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in 2016 with the aim of improving the livelihood of the community in Oyam District through agricultural activities, such as planting vegetables and growing rice.
It is situated on a 1,242-hectare area along the Acaba River in Acaba Sub-County, Oyam District. Over 900 farmers have occupied the site for planting rice.