Apple farmers in Kasese District have decried the lack of market for their harvest.
The
farmers also say that most of the apple-growing areas have poor transport
network, which affects their access to the market.
Although the farmers have embraced the awareness campaign by Operation Wealth
Creation on growing fruits such as apples for commercial purposes, the farmers
say they are being frustrated by numerous gaps.
Mr. John Kimadi, the chairperson Kasese Apple Growers Association-KAGA, says
that the lack of market for their harvest has continued frustrating their
efforts to fight poverty in their households.
Kimadi decries the poor road infrastructure in the mountainous areas where
apples are grown. Mr. Kimadi one on
Roads;…
Kimadi asks the government to support the association with motorcycles to help them link farmers to markets and extension services.
Mr. Kimadi two on transport;…..
Mr. Paul Bwambale, a farmer from Kyarumba Sub County, says that the low price of their harvest due to the absence of local market has discouraged most farmers from investing more money into apple growing.
He says that they are selling each fruit between Shillings 300 and 500 shilling
to a few supermarkets in Kasese town. Mr.
Bwambale Speaking;….
Mr. Julius Rukara, the Kasese District Agriculture Officer blames farmers for working in isolation. Mr. Rukara thinks that if farmers are organized in groups, they can easily find a suitable market even beyond Kasese District. End.
