Farming Tips & Facts Every Ugandan Farmer Should Know
Farming Smarter, Not Harder—With The Market Uganda
Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda—but not all farmers benefit equally from their hard work. At The Market Uganda, we believe that with the right knowledge and tools, every farmer and vendor can turn their small enterprise into a thriving agribusiness.
These practical tips and farming facts are designed to help you increase productivity, reduce losses, and farm sustainably—whether you're growing on one acre or ten.
✅ 1. Start with the Soil
Tip: Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy crops.
Why it matters: If your soil lacks nutrients, your crops will struggle to grow—no matter how good your seeds or fertilizers are.
What to do:
Test your soil regularly (every 2–3 planting seasons) through a local extension officer or lab.
Add compost, manure, or crop residues to enrich soil naturally.
Avoid over-cultivating or burning crop residue, which destroys organic matter.
Fact: Over 60% of yield loss in Uganda is linked to poor soil fertility. Improving your soil could double your harvest without buying expensive chemicals.
✅ 2. Rotate Your Crops
Tip: Don’t plant the same crop season after season on the same land.
Why it matters: Crop rotation helps break pest and disease cycles while naturally improving soil health.
What to do:
After harvesting maize, plant legumes like beans, groundnuts, or soybeans to fix nitrogen in the soil.
Avoid rotating with crops from the same family (e.g., tomatoes and eggplants are both nightshades).
Rotate at least every season for maximum benefit.
Fact: Rotating crops with legumes can boost yields of subsequent crops by up to 30%.
✅ 3. Use Certified Seeds
Tip: Always buy certified seeds from registered agro-dealers.
Why it matters: Certified seeds are tested for quality, disease resistance, and higher germination rates.
What to do:
Buy seeds from agro-input shops approved by the Ministry of Agriculture or organizations like NARO.
Store seeds in a cool, dry place before planting.
Ask your dealer for seed varieties best suited to your region and soil.
Fact: Certified seeds can produce up to 50% more yield than recycled or saved seeds.
✅ 4. Water Wisely
Tip: Don’t waste water—use it efficiently.
Why it matters: Too much or too little water can ruin your crops. Smart watering reduces stress and increases yield.
What to do:
Water during early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
Use mulch (like dry grass or leaves) to retain soil moisture.
If possible, use drip irrigation or watering cans to target roots directly.
Fact: Mulching can reduce water loss from the soil by up to 70%.
✅ 5. Watch the Weather
Tip: Plan your planting and spraying based on the forecast.
Why it matters: Rains that come too early or too late can affect germination and fertilizer effectiveness.
What to do:
Use weather apps (like Weather Africa) or listen to local radio forecasts.
Delay planting if rains are unpredictable, or opt for short-maturing varieties.
Store harvested produce quickly to avoid damage during unexpected rains.
Fact: Most crop failures in Uganda are due to poor timing around weather events.
✅ 6. Control Pests Early
Tip: Don’t wait for pests to destroy your crops—scout and act early.
Why it matters: Pests multiply quickly and are harder to control once damage is visible.
What to do:
Inspect your field every few days—look under leaves and on stems.
Use a combination of traps, natural enemies (like ladybugs), and recommended insecticides.
Spray in the early morning or late evening when pests are most active and to avoid harming pollinators.
Fact: Early pest detection can reduce your control costs by over 40%.
✅ 7. Don’t Overuse Chemicals
Tip: More is not always better when it comes to agrochemicals.
Why it matters: Over-spraying reduces soil health, harms beneficial insects, and can make pests resistant.
What to do:
Follow label instructions strictly.
Rotate pesticides to avoid resistance build-up.
Use protective gear and store chemicals safely.
Fact: Excessive chemical use can reduce soil micro-organisms by 40%, affecting long-term productivity.
✅ 8. Harvest at the Right Time
Tip: Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting.
Why it matters: Early harvest leads to poor quality. Late harvest leads to loss from rot, pests, or theft.
What to do:
Harvest crops at full maturity to ensure good taste and shelf life.
Dry grains to the right moisture content before storage.
Use clean, dry bags and raised platforms to avoid contamination.
Fact: Uganda loses over 30% of harvested maize due to poor post-harvest handling.
✅ 9. Keep Farm Records
Tip: Track what you plant, spend, and earn.
Why it matters: Records help you know what works and what doesn’t—saving time, money, and effort.
What to do:
Keep a simple notebook or spreadsheet.
Record planting dates, agro-inputs used, harvest quantities, and income.
Review your records every season to make better decisions.
Fact: Farmers with good records earn up to twice as much over time due to better planning and budgeting.
✅ 10. Join a Farming Group or Cooperative
Tip: There’s strength in numbers.
Why it matters: Groups provide access to training, bulk input discounts, and stronger market power.
What to do:
Join or form a local farmer group or SACCO.
Attend extension training or government workshops.
Use your group to pool resources and sell as a unit for better pricing.
Fact: Cooperative farmers earn more and get paid faster due to collective bargaining.
💡 Final Word:
Your success as a farmer starts with knowledge, preparation, and the right support. At The Market Uganda, we are here to walk with you—from planting to harvest, and from the market stall to the customer’s table.
👉 Visit www.FarmersMarketUG.com to get access to:
Farming guides
Certified agro-inputs
Market price updates
Vendor registration and support
Farm smart. Grow more. Earn better.
