Apples from Uganda…
When researchers started trials for apple growing in the highlands of western Uganda in 2003, many local farmers refused to take them seriously. The farmers believed that apples could only thrive in countries with cold climates. Today, researchers at the Kachwekano Agricultural Research and Development Centre in Kabale (Uganda) have proved beyond doubt that apple trees can do well in Uganda. The climate in these highlands, which are close to the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and stand at 2,100 m above sea level, has also proved suitable for growing plums and pears.
Agricultural researcher Gard Turyamureeba says Ugandan apple growers have an advantage over fruit farmers in Europe or South Africa: their proximity to the equator means they can produce two crops per year instead of one. “The apples have proved the tastiest fruits around. They are also juicier compared to the ones we import,” he said.
Uganda’s apples command higher prices than tropical fruits such as pineapples and passion fruit. To date, more than 1,000 farmers have started growing apples to supply the domestic market as well as the neighbouring countries of Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Charles Rutaro, chairman of the Kabale District Farmers’ Association, says the number of new farmers taking up apple growing is overwhelming. Presently, apple seedlings are imported from Germany and South Africa. But a number of challenges threaten this flourishing new sector. Birds and thieves are giving many farmers sleepless nights.
Posted: April 24th, 2008 under Sections/Commissions.