By Prossy Nandudu
Processors of avocado into oil have appealed to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to develop standards that will enable them access regional and international markets.
Currently, Uganda doesn’t have standards for avocado oil, an issue which is likely to force Ugandans to use standards from neighbouring countries.
However, relying on other players for standards could stifle the market for some of Uganda’s unique attributes of its indigenous avocados being processed today.
Apart from standards, the processors also said that the existing standard uses obsolete methods, which involve those that have been banned. The processors are represented by Hasan AI-Kailani, the managing partner of Avolio, an avocado processing facility located in Namanve.
Other challenges voiced by processors include inadequate supply of raw materials, because the production of Hass Avocado is not yet widespread, forcing the five processing companies to depend on indigenous crops.
In response, the standards officer at UNBS, Arthur Mukanga, explained to that the process of developing standards is underway and way, and that they are also bench-marketing some standards at the EAC level.
On the part of seedlings, Edward Erongu a senior seed inspector in the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, said that standards for seedlings have already been submitted to UNBS for gazettement before they can be spread among the farming community.
The concerns were voiced on Wednesday, February 14, during a stakeholder meeting to discuss ways of adding value to Hass avocado to tap into the growing market which, according to NAADS executive director, Dr Sam Mugasi.
