Govt supports farmers to promote cultivation of high-value crops
By Babra Anyait
Government, through the National Agriculture Advisory Service (NAADS), has partnered with eight large-scale farmers across the country to strengthen the value chains of the crops.
The programme is actively promoting the cultivation of high-value crops, particularly Hass avocado and macadamia.
According to Khadija Nakakande, the head of communication and public relations at NAADS, the partnership entails various measures to support farmers and enhance overall production to ensure a robust foundation for successful cultivation.
Khadija noted that farmers who opt to participate in the program contribute 30% of the seedling’s cost, while the government covers the remaining 70%, in alignment with its strategy of sharing costs with beneficiary farmers.
She says that the support extended to Hass avocado farmers since 2018 has seen the establishment of over 100,000 orchards across the country with an estimated minimum production of 344,832 metric tons of Hass avocado over the next five years.
She expressed that these interventions are expected to drive the growth of the high-value crop sector in Uganda contributing to increased food security, higher income levels, enhanced employment opportunities, and climate change mitigation while potentially boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
She made the remarks during a media tour of the macadamia and Hass avocado growers in the districts of Kabarole, Kitagwenda, Mityana, and Mayuge.
