Kwania: Farmers decry low prices of farm produce

KWANIA-Farmers in Kwania district have cried out loud over the low prices of farm produce, saying they are making losses.

For instance, dry cassava has dropped by Shs 400 to Shs 1,400 per kilogramme [kg], from Shs 1,800 last week.  The price for black beans is Shs 3,500 per kg from Shs 6,000. Onions are selling at Shs 2,000 per kg from Shs 3, 500.

Maize is selling at Shs 800, down from Shs 1,400 per kg last month. This reporter visited Aduku Saturday Market and spoke to farmers and buyers concerning the drop in the prices of commodities.

A businesswoman who identified herself as Caroline from Lira City said she was forced to sell beans at Shs 2,700 per kg from the initial price of Shs 5,000 because many farmers have no money.

“I am buying between Shs 2,500 to Shs 2,600 per kg of beans from the stores. However, we are selling the same beans to farmers at Shs 2,700 per kg and this is pressing us hard. Imagine I used to sell three sacks in a day but now even one sack cannot get finished. There is no money and life is hard, “she said.

Jenifer Aduku, a renowned maize farmer in Kwania district says she is stuck with five tons of maize due to price fluctuations. However, Aduku is hopeful prices will shoot up after the Christmas holiday as farmers prepare for the first planting season.

Kwania district commercial officer, Catherine Akello advised farmers to stay in groups and bulk their farm produce to avoid selling at a loss. “Bulking is power, we have a number of community stores constructed under the Agriculture Cluster Development Programme [ACDP]. I am advising them to join groups, and bulk their farm produce to avoid selling to middlemen at a loss because bulking is power,” she said.

https://thecooperator.news/adjumani-sunflower-growers-suffer-losses-as-prices-drop/

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