The article discusses Uganda’s struggle to meet the high demand for oil seeds due to low production. Despite efforts to persuade farmers to invest in the sub-sector, the output remains low, leading to a shortage that has resulted in high prices.
The government has intervened by rolling out a five-year national oil seed program to increase production, particularly in the north, by providing subsidies to farmers. The program focuses on Lango and Acholi sub-regions, which are the heart of oil seed production in the country.
However, the harvests realized last year are yet to convince stakeholders that the country could soon be able to meet its domestic demand.
The article also outlines the estimated oil content of sunflower and soybean and the vegetable oil processing factories’ installed capacity in Uganda. The co-funding model, where the government pays 70 percent, and a farmer pays 30 percent of the input they receive, is also highlighted.
The article concludes by stating that Naads plans to support mechanized production of oil seeds by providing tractors and associated machinery, as well as improved seeds to oil seed producers.
Please reach us through [email protected] . For your Opinions, hot story or scandal you would like us to publish
