Orange farmers in Teso Sub-region, Uganda, representing a significant portion of the local agricultural sector, have requested a meeting with President Museveni. Their concerns center around the complexities and financial difficulties associated with citrus farming, exacerbated by the high costs of agro-pesticides and often disappointing financial returns from their harvests.
During an anticipated presidential visit aimed at reviewing anti-poverty efforts, farmers voiced the need for support in obtaining cost-effective, high-quality pesticides and agricultural training. Mr Filbert Okello highlighted the necessity for an institution to facilitate the importation of recommended pesticides at lower prices and called for agricultural training programs to enhance soil fertility.
Concerns were also raised about the importation of substandard and costly farm inputs, alongside a lack of support from local agricultural departments. The recent transfer of the Soroti Fruit Factory to a private investor has further contributed to uncertainties regarding market access and the impact on local citrus farmers.
Farmers like Ms. Grace Akullu and Mr Julius Obubula emphasized the challenges of high input costs versus low returns and the absence of government assistance in market access, respectively. The management of the Soroti Fruit Factory under new ownership promised efforts towards securing international certification to potentially open up broader markets for the farmers' produce.
The President's upcoming tour to Teso is part of a broader initiative to combat household poverty and promote sustainable agricultural practices among local communities. Officials have indicated that discussions during the visit will encompass various government programs aimed at economic upliftment and the demonstration of successful farming models.
Source: Monitor