Maximizing Tomato Yields in Busoga: A Farmer's Training Guide to Plant Support

Target Audience: Smallholder and Commercial Tomato Farmers in Busoga (Jinja, Iganga, Kamuli, Mayuge, and surrounding districts).

Introduction

Tomato farming is one of the most profitable agricultural enterprises in the Busoga region. With our rich soils and favorable bimodal rainfall, tomatoes can thrive. However, many popular varieties grown in Uganda—such as Ansal F1, Rio Grande, Moneymaker, Marglobe, and Tengeru 97—are highly susceptible to soil-borne diseases like bacterial wilt and late blight. During Busoga's heavy rainy seasons (March–May and September–November), moisture causes these diseases to spread rapidly, especially if the tomato plants are left lying on the wet ground. Providing proper physical support to your tomato plants is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your crop, improve fruit quality, and increase your market profits. This guide explores the differences between staking and other tomato support methods to help you choose the best system for your farm.