Exports board launches centres to boost growth of horticulture
Horticulture exports in Uganda are likely increase as the Uganda Export Promotions Board launches market linkage centres to revamp the commodities exports.
The centres launched in three pilot districts of Kasese, Luweero and Serere, will provide guidance, information and support services to producers and producer enterprise on developing and enhancing production of export.
The centres will also provide information regarding export market entry procedures, managing export transactions and business planning. Under the project, each district’s competitive advantage will be harnessed by boosting production and export volumes of oranges in Serere District, pineapples in Luweero and chillies and hot pepper in Kasese to improve farmer incomes in the regions.
The horticulture sector that includes fruits and vegetables is one of the fastest growing in the country and is said to have a huge potential to improve national export earnings and household incomes. Uganda exported $852,000 worth of fruits in 2010, down from $1.05 million worth of exports in 2009 while $14.348 million worth of vegetables were exported last year compared to $19.533 million the previous year.
Hard business environment
The slowdown was attributed to the prevailing economic hardships in Uganda’s major export markets including the European Union, America and Asia. Speaking at the launch of the market linkage centre at Mubuku irrigation settlement scheme in Kasese district over the weekend, UEPB director in charge of market and product development, Dr Stephen Paul Gitta urged farmers to boost production to boost their incomes. He said market linkage centres will bridge production and marketing and synchronise them under one roof.
Credits: Daily Monitor
This article was originally posted on Sustainable Development Africa Platform
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