As farming in Uganda becomes more commercialised, modern tools like tractor cultivators are proving essential in increasing productivity and reducing labour costs.
They not only save time but also ensure precision, improve soil preparation, and boost overall crop yields for commercial farmers.
Alvin Katungi, who works with Zeus Agro Limited in Bulambuli, says that tractor cultivators have revolutionised how commercial farmers prepare their land.
“Unlike traditional hand hoes or ox-ploughs, cultivators attached to tractors break the soil faster and deeper, making the land ready for planting within a short time. This is especially helpful for farmers handling large tracts of land, where manual labour would take days or even weeks,” Katungi explains.
He adds that tractor cultivators also help in weed control by uprooting weeds during the soil preparation stage. This reduces the use of herbicides and saves money.
“With the right implement, a farmer can do primary tillage, seedbed preparation, and even incorporate manure into the soil in one go,” he says.
Sabastian Ngambwa, the director of Prime Agro Uganda Limited and a practising commercial farmer, says he uses tractor cultivators on his 40-acre maize.
“One major benefit is consistency, the cultivator ensures uniform depth and soil texture, which leads to even germination and better crop establishment,” Ngambwa.
Ngambwa also highlights the importance of time-saving.
“A job that would take 10 people a week can be done in a day using a tractor cultivator, this allows me to plant on time and beat unpredictable weather patterns,” he notes.
Both experts encourage farmers to adopt mechanisation through cooperatives or hire services from agro-companies if purchasing a tractor is not feasible. With proper training and maintenance, tractor cultivators can significantly boost efficiency and yields, making them a game-changer for Uganda’s commercial farmers.
