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How Farmer John Increased His Yield by 300% with Solar Pumps

Read how Farmer John Mukasa increased his maize yield by 300% after switching to solar-powered irrigation from Tulima Solar. A real customer success story.

How Farmer John Increased His Yield by 300% with Solar Pumps

Farmer standing in healthy maize field

John Mukasa, a small-scale farmer in Mukono District, Uganda, struggled with inconsistent rainfall and the high cost of fuel for his diesel pump. His maize yields were unpredictable, and he often lost crops during dry spells.

The Challenge

Before switching to solar, John faced several challenges:

  • Spending over 200,000 UGX monthly on fuel
  • Frequent breakdowns of his diesel pump
  • Limited irrigation during critical growing periods
  • Unreliable crop yields season to season

The Solution

In 2024, John partnered with Tulima Solar to install a Kilimo Bora surface pump system. The installation included:

  • 4 solar panels (400W each)
  • Kilimo Bora surface pump
  • Complete piping system for 2 acres
  • Training on system operation and maintenance

The Results

Within one season, John saw remarkable improvements:

  • Eliminated fuel costs completely
  • Increased maize yield from 800kg to 2,400kg per season
  • Expanded cultivated area from 1.5 to 3 acres
  • Started a second growing season during the dry period
"The solar pump changed everything for my family. I now farm throughout the year and my income has tripled." - John Mukasa

Financing That Works

John accessed our 22-month financing program, paying affordable monthly installments. The savings from eliminated fuel costs more than covered his monthly payments.

Previous Article 10 Tips for Successful Dry Season Farming Next Article Complete Guide to Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems

Comments 4

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G
Grace Achieng Feb 19, 2026 at 12:00 AM
This is so inspiring! I have 2 acres in Gulu and have been struggling with dry season farming. I will definitely contact Tulima.
M
Michael Ochieng Feb 19, 2026 at 5:30 AM
John's story sounds just like mine. I was spending so much on fuel. Now I'm saving over 300,000 UGX monthly with my solar pump.
F
Florence Nalubega Feb 20, 2026 at 7:00 AM
What financing options are available for farmers in Jinja area? I'm very interested but concerned about upfront costs.
T
Tulima Team Feb 20, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Florence, our 22-month financing is available nationwide! We have an office in Jinja. Please visit us or call to learn more.