By Our Reporter
SERERE – Farmers in Serere District have been urged to stop using harmful chemicals in crop and animal production, with experts calling for a shift towards safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.
This warning was delivered during an ongoing sustainability training organized by Cajila Africa Links Institute at Serere Primary School, which attracted over 1,000 farmers from across the district.
Julius Echodu, the Sustainability Officer at Cajila Africa Links Institute, cautioned farmers about the negative impacts of using unhealthy chemicals. He highlighted concerns about environmental degradation, health risks to humans, and the potential harm to livestock.
“We recommend the adoption of organic and natural alternatives, especially integrated pest management techniques, to ensure long-term sustainability in farming,” Echodu advised. “Organic pesticides and fertilizers offer a healthier and more eco-friendly option that aligns well with sustainable agricultural practices.”
Cosmas Agweta, the Executive Director of Cajila Africa Links Institute, emphasized the importance of mindset change during the training. “Our focus is not only on technical skills but also on promoting teamwork, collaboration, and eliminating harmful attitudes like greed, jealousy, and negligence,” he said.
Simon Peter Ongiro, Chairperson and District Coordinator of Cali-Teso Farmers Cooperative Union, expressed gratitude to Cajila for empowering the local farming community. “We appreciate the knowledge being shared. It’s transforming how our farmers approach agriculture,” he noted.
Following the training, many farmers in Serere District have begun adopting organic pesticides and fertilizers, marking a promising shift towards more sustainable and responsible farming.