Kasese apple growers decry lack of market for their produce
Apple growing is gaining popularity in Kasese, a district traditionally known for growing maize, cotton, coffee, and vanilla
KASESE, 23rd January 2025 – Apple growers in Kasese district have raised concerns about the lack of a reliable market for their produce, despite cultivating apples on a large scale.
According to John Kimadi, Chairperson of the Kasese Apple Growers Organisation [KAGO], most apple farmers in the district are struggling to access both national and international markets, forcing them to sell their fruits at low prices in local markets.
“Farmers are facing major challenges in finding markets for their apples, both locally and internationally. I appeal to the government to support farmers and help them access better markets to improve their livelihoods,” Kimadi said.
Kimadi also highlighted the need for government support in providing farmers with equipment for value addition, which would enable them to reach higher-value markets.
“Due to the lack of market access, farmers are compelled to sell their produce at very low prices in village markets. If the government could assist with equipment for value addition, it would make a huge difference and help farmers get better prices,” he explained.
Paul Bwambale, an apple farmer from Kyarumba Sub-county, revealed that they sell each apple for between Shs 300 and Shs 500, which he believes discourages many farmers from reinvesting in the crop.
“These low prices are due to the lack of market opportunities. If we had access to good markets locally, nationally, or internationally, we could earn significantly more. It would also be more profitable if we had factories for value addition,” Bwambale added.
Douglas Kasereka, another farmer from Kitholi Sub-county, shared similar sentiments, saying that with access to better markets, apple farming could offer substantial returns, as the yields are consistently promising.
In 2021, Denis Yiga, the Rwebitaba Zonal Agricultural Development Officer for the Rwenzori region, informed apple farmers that the government, through the Agri-Led programme, was planning to build an industrial park with a fruit factory to help address such challenges. However, the industrial park project has yet to materialise, leaving apple farmers in district struggling to secure sustainable markets for their produce.
Apple growing is gaining popularity in Kasese, a district traditionally known for growing maize, cotton, coffee, and vanilla. The trend is particularly noticeable in the hilly areas, where many farmers are now turning to apple cultivation.
Kasese boasts over 600 large-scale apple farmers spread across Busongora North, Bukonzo East, and Bukonzo West constituencies. The district’s hilly terrain provides favourable weather conditions for apple farming, making it an ideal location for the crop.
https://thecooperator.news/ntungamo-pineapple-farmers-cry-out-to-govt-as-factory-stops-operations/
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