Farmers in Bundibugyo district have expressed concern over the poor production low prices of Cocoa amidst rising costs incurred during the planting season.
Most farmers interviewed including Annettee Nampija attribute the low production to bad weather, pests, and diseases fueled by fake chemicals, and lack of enough support by government.
Currently, a kilogramme of fresh cocoa goes for between 4,000 and 5,000 Shillings while dry cocoa is 7,000 Shillings per kilo, a price that has stagnated for a year.
Despite the drop in production, the farmers say they have spent a lot of money to guard their gardens from armed thugs who raid them to steal the crop.
Mr. Wilfred Aliganyira, a cocoa buyer says most of the cocoa trees have grown old beyond 30 years, and subsequently, their productivity is declining.
He adds that if the government can provide the needed tools and materials cocoa farmers need to operate, it will encourage farmers’ production. Mr. Wilfred speaking……..
Mr. Robert Tubakunirwa, the Bundibugyo Local council five Chairperson proposes that government to intervene and carry out research on why there is a decline in the production of cocoa and vanilla in the area. END