By Our Reporter
Uganda has marked a significant milestone in its agricultural sector with the maiden export of Hass avocados to Spain, valued at $40,000 (about sh147.7m). The shipment, which traveled by sea, was flagged off on Tuesday in Kampala by Lira District Woman MP and chairperson of the parliamentary committee on agriculture, Linda Agnes Auma. The initiative, led by Avotein Farms with support from the National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS) under the agriculture ministry, underscores Uganda’s potential as a global player in agricultural exports.
Expanded Hass Avocado farming
Speaking during the ceremony, Auma urged farmers to embrace Hass avocado cultivation to capitalize on its lucrative global market, often referred to as "green gold."
“We have vast fertile land that is underutilized. Unfortunately, many of our farmers lack the financial capacity to meet export production requirements. That’s why we’ve finalized drafting a Contract Farming Bill to attract investors who can partner with farmers to ensure quality and quantity for export,” Auma said.
She explained that the proposed law, once passed, would enable investors to specify the volume and quality of produce they require, fostering mutually beneficial agreements with local farmers.
Auma flags off the first shippment. She urged farmers to embrace Hass avocado cultivation to capitalize on its lucrative global market, often referred to as "green gold
NAADS and government commitment
Dr. Samuel Mugasi, the executive director of NAADS, expressed pride in the achievement, noting that although Uganda has been producing Hass avocados for some time, much of it has been exported indirectly through neighboring countries.
“Today, we’ve begun exporting under our own flag, solidifying Uganda's identity in global markets,” Mugasi said.
Brenda Katarikawe, the markets director at the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), described the export as a breakthrough for Uganda’s agricultural sector.
“While we’ve successfully sold traditional avocados to the UAE, breaking into the European market signals a new era for Uganda’s agricultural exports,” Katarikawe said.
Export Growth
PACEID chairman and senior presidential advisor on special duties, Odrek Rwabwogo, hailed the export as a monumental step toward making Uganda a powerhouse in international trade.
“This isn’t just about economic gain—it’s a testament to Uganda’s capacity to compete globally and deliver high-quality, sustainably grown products,” Rwabwogo said, highlighting that the achievement aligns with PACEID’s target of increasing Uganda’s exports to $6 billion (sh22 trillion) by 2028.
Rwabwogo added that the government is also working on interventions to support trade agreements, operationalize free zones at Entebbe International Airport for fresh produce exports, and access the Fund for Exports Development in Africa (FEDA) to expand production and exports.
Uganda’s growing export potential
According to the Ministry of Finance, Uganda’s export earnings grew by 9.2% in July 2024, reaching $785.03 million (sh2.9 trillion), up from $718.60 million (sh2.6 trillion) in June. The increase was driven by higher earnings from coffee, mineral products, cotton, tobacco, and oil re-exports.
With the first container of Hass avocados now en route to Spain, Uganda’s vision for a robust agricultural export sector seems closer than ever. This development represents not just an economic achievement but a beacon of hope for the country’s farmers and agricultural investors.
Torch Media Africa
