Mayuge- The National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) is urging farmers to cultivate Hass avocados, citing their high value in oil production and a ready market provided by five factories currently processing avocados in Uganda.
According to NAADS Executive Director Dr. Samuel Mugasi, the five companies processing avocados into oil for export to Europe have created a high demand for the crop, guaranteeing a ready market for farmers.
“The demand for avocado oil is high, and we want to ensure that our farmers benefit from this opportunity,” said Khadija Nakakande, NAADS Communications Officer.
To support farmers, the government through NAADS is training agriculture extension workers to assist in propagating the growth of avocados, aiming for high yields.
The campaign for avocado growing follows increased demand for avocado oil in Europe, attracting over five investors who have set up processing plants in Uganda.
However, this has put pressure on farmers, with the new factories demanding 22 million kilos of avocados annually from hundreds of thousands of farmers across the country.
The push for avocado production is part of the government’s efforts to promote high-value fruits like Hass avocado and macadamia in Uganda.