Ten Farmers Compensated Under Uganda Agriculture Insurance Scheme in Kabarole
At least ten farmers from Mpinga United Farmers Group in Harugongo Sub-county, Kabarole District, have received compensation under the Uganda Agriculture Insurance Scheme following crop losses linked to adverse weather conditions last season.
The compensation exercise, conducted in Mpinga Village on Thursday, was facilitated by Agro Consortium in partnership with Yield Harvests. Each of the affected farmers received Shs270,000 after insuring their crop gardens during the previous planting season.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Richard Businge, Manager of Yield Harvests based in Kanyambeho, Kiko Town Council, urged farmers to embrace agricultural insurance as a critical risk management tool.
“Farming is a business that is highly exposed to climate hazards such as prolonged drought, heavy rainfall, hailstorms and strong winds. Crop insurance provides a safety net that enables farmers to recover and continue production even after suffering losses,” Businge said.
Recheal Nalwoga, the Business Development Officer at Agro Consortium, explained that the organization implements the government-subsidized insurance program by partnering with agro-based institutions across the country. She noted that the scheme is designed to protect both small-scale and large-scale farmers against climate-related risks.
“Our goal is to ensure farmers do not fall back into poverty whenever disasters strike. By insuring their crops, they are guaranteed partial compensation, which helps them restart production,” Nalwoga emphasized.
Beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention. Sarah Basasa, a retired teacher who ventured into maize and sorghum farming, said she had previously endured repeated losses without any form of compensation.
“This is the first time I have received support after suffering crop failure. I thank Yield Harvests and Agro Consortium for honoring their commitment. I will encourage fellow farmers to enroll in the scheme,” Basasa said.
Paul Kato, a youth farmer and member of Mpinga United Farmers Group, called on young people benefiting from government initiatives such as Emyooga to embrace crop insurance.
“Many youths are investing in agriculture through government programs. Insuring our crops ensures we are protected from total loss when disasters occur,” Kato noted.
The compensation exercise underscores growing efforts to promote climate resilience and sustainable agricultural production in Kabarole District and beyond.