Budaka Irish potato farmers set to thrive with new crisps factory
The multi-million-dollar factory is expected to require at least three tonnes of Irish potatoes every day to meet production demands, creating a stable market for local farmers
BUDAKA, November 18, 2024 – Farmers in Budaka district, eastern Uganda, are set to benefit from a new partnership that will transform the local agricultural landscape. PAL-Chips, a Dutch company, is planning to build a crisps processing factory in Migiti, Budaka, aimed at supplying both domestic and international markets with high-quality crisps made from Irish potatoes.
The multi-million-dollar factory is expected to require at least three tonnes of Irish potatoes every day to meet production demands, creating a stable market for local farmers. The facility will also provide employment opportunities for approximately 10,000 people, both directly and indirectly, including factory workers, truck drivers, and logistics teams.
The groundwork for this promising venture was laid by Dr. Abdulhul Byakatonda, a workers’ representative in Parliament, who expressed his appreciation for the investors’ decision to choose Uganda. Byakatonda emphasised that PAL-Chips’ investment in research and the development of high-quality planting materials for Irish potatoes, along with a focus on crop diversification, will have a lasting impact on Uganda’s agricultural sector.
“This project is not just about potatoes; it’s about creating real, long-term change for farmers across Uganda who have long lacked consistent buyers for their crops,” Byakatonda said. He highlighted Uganda’s favorable climate and fertile soils, which position the country as a prime producer of high-quality Irish potatoes for both local and international markets.
A major opportunity for Ugandan farmers
PAL-Chips representative Jan Kjger also emphasised the immense potential for Ugandan farmers in the global market. “The demand for Irish potato products worldwide runs into millions of tonnes, offering a valuable opportunity for Ugandan farmers to participate in this growing market,” Kjger said. “Through this company, we hope to put Ugandan Irish potatoes on the global map, creating more jobs, stable incomes, and strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.”
The partnership will provide training and support to local farmers, helping them grow Irish potatoes that meet international quality standards. “This will ensure a consistent supply for the factory and sustainable incomes for farmers,” said Kjger.
The investment was sparked by a visit to Dr. Byakatonda’s farm earlier this year, which gave the investors confidence in Uganda’s agricultural potential and led to the decision to make a multi-million-dollar commitment to the project.
A New dawn for Budaka farmers
This collaboration marks a new beginning for Budaka’s Irish potato farmers, bringing them closer to financial stability and providing access to advanced agricultural technology. It also offers farmers a real chance to compete in the global Irish potato market, further integrating Uganda into the global agricultural supply chain.
With this new processing facility, Budaka district stands to become a key player in Uganda’s Irish potato industry, benefiting from enhanced production capacity, improved market access, and job creation across various sectors.
https://thecooperator.news/irish-potato-farmers-in-bukwo-decry-death-of-markets-due-to-covid19/
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