Farmers who have adopted the method say it has significantly improved their yields. Joseph Emurot, a resident of Kabukol village, said pest infestations have reduced since he embraced the technology.
By Yazid Yolisigira
Farmers in the Busoga and Teso sub-regions of Eastern Uganda are reporting increased food production following the adoption of “push-pull” technology, an innovation designed to combat fall armyworm and striga weed in cereal crops.
The technology, introduced five years ago by the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) in partnership with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), is funded by the European Union under the Upscale Project.
During a farmer training session held on Thursday in Butego village, Kagulu sub-county, Namutumba District, Moses Lutakome, a researcher at NARO, said uptake of the technology has steadily grown among households in the region.
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“When we came here in 2020, this area was highly affected, but the use of desmodium and bracharia has reduced the spread of both striga and fall armyworm,” Lutakome said.
Push-pull technology involves intercropping cereals such as maize, millet, and sorghum with desmodium, while planting bracharia and Napier grass around the garden.
The companion plants repel pests and suppress weeds, while also improving soil fertility.
In a separate training session in Kabukol village, Kadami Sub-county, Kumi District, Nathan Ochatum, a researcher with ICIPE, urged farmers to maximize the benefits of the technology by using desmodium and bracharia as livestock feed.
“These grasses improve soil fertility and are highly nutritious for animals, especially dairy cows,” Ochatum said.
Farmers who have adopted the method say it has significantly improved their yields. Joseph Emurot, a resident of Kabukol village, said pest infestations have reduced since he embraced the technology.
“Food production has increased, and the infestation of striga and fall armyworm has gone down,” Emurot said.
Kumi District Production Officer Martin Okello called on farmers to promote the technology within their communities and seek guidance from agricultural extension workers, particularly on pesticide use.
Meanwhile, Adeline Muhebwa, a member of the Uganda Professional Women in Agriculture and Environment, emphasized the need for gender equity in farming. She urged couples to consult each other on farm decisions to prevent conflicts, especially after harvest.
Officials say the continued adoption of push-pull technology could play a key role in improving household food security and resilience among smallholder farmers in Eastern Uganda.
