Bunyoro Horticultural Farmers Secure UK and EU Export Deals to Slash Post-Harvest Losses

Horticultural farmers in Uganda’s Bunyoro sub-region are celebrating a major breakthrough after signing a partnership with KK Foods, a local exporter of fresh produce. This collaboration opens access to lucrative markets in the United Kingdom and Western Europe, helping to curb post-harvest losses that have long plagued local growers.

The Albertine Farmers Association (AFA), representing over 1,900 members with ambitions to reach 10,000 by the end of 2026, inked the Memorandum of Understanding on April 16. Farmers like Isaac Kaitwebye, who shifted from matoke to high-value crops such as tomatoes, cabbages, hot peppers, and pumpkins, report significant profits. He now cultivates on expanded acreage with irrigation and improved seeds, earning up to Shs30 million per acre of tomatoes in peak seasons.

Initial exports included 1 ton of hot peppers, with expectations of Shs5 million in revenue and plans to scale to 20 tons weekly. KK Foods’ Production Manager, Nicholas Atukwase, emphasized the need for consistent quality, quantity, and compliance with standards to meet surging European demand driven by diverse cuisines.

Experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Hoima District’s production office stress strict certification processes. Farmers must use pest traps, proper pesticides, and farm coding for traceability to ensure pest-free produce meeting international regulations.

Association chair Julius Kwamya highlighted challenges like insufficient extension services but remains optimistic about growth. This venture positions Bunyoro’s horticulture on the global map while boosting household incomes.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)