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By embracing Hass avocado farming, Buhweju District can unlock new economic opportunities, improve livelihoods
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Buhweju – In response to a sharp decline in tea prices, farmers in Buhweju District have turned to Hass avocado farming as a more profitable alternative.
"In the past few months, tea prices have fallen drastically at the Mombasa auction. Currently, Uganda’s black tea averages just US$0.99 per kilogram, which is below our production costs," said a local tea farmer.
"We needed an alternative crop to sustain our families, and Hass avocados offer a promising solution."
In Uganda, Hass avocados sell between UGX 1,500 and UGX 2,000 per kilogram (approximately US$0.40 to US$0.55), while export-quality fruits fetch between UGX 2,000 and UGX 3,500 per kilogram, depending on the market.
Recognizing this opportunity, Hon. Annet Oyes Byamukama, the Woman MP flagbearer for Buhweju District, has established model farms to promote Hass avocado cultivation.
"Our goal is to demonstrate that Buhweju can become a hub for high-quality avocado production," Hon. Byamukama said. "We are encouraging farmers to start small as we work with the government to provide certified seedlings."
Why Hass Avocado Farming?
Hass avocado farming is well-suited to Buhweju’s hilly terrain and offers several benefits:
Steps to Successful Farming
Experts advise farmers to focus on:
Stakeholder Support
Hon. Byamukama urged stakeholders to back the initiative by:
"By embracing Hass avocado farming, Buhweju District can unlock new economic opportunities, improve livelihoods, and position itself as a major player in Uganda’s avocado industry," she said.
However, she cautioned tea farmers against uprooting their tea gardens, stressing:
"Farmers can grow both tea and Hass avocados together to maximize household income."
Torch Media Africa
