The parliamentary committee on agriculture, and various stakeholders in the avocado value chain, are now focused on promoting the cultivation of Hass avocados to boost Uganda’s agricultural sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods, writes Herbert Musoke.
The parliamentary committee on agriculture has committed to continuing its support for the cultivation of Hass avocado in Uganda, recognising it as a new emerging “green gold.”
During the Hass avocado field day, organised by the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) at Richard Kamujugu’s Gomba orchards in Karogozi village, Maddu town council in Gomba district, Anthony Esenu (MP for Kapelebyong), who led the delegation, encouraged all Ugandans to embrace Hass avocado farming as a valuable cash crop.
“From what we have observed on the ground, we believe that Hass avocado has immense potential to elevate Uganda from a subsistence, low-income economy to a middle-income one, while also promoting agro-industrialisation,” he said.
Esenu further emphasised that, as members of the agriculture committee, they advocate for the cost-sharing programme implemented by NAADS, in which farmers contribute 30%, while the Government, through NAADS, covers 70% of the cost of seedlings.
“We want to assure farmers and those planning to grow Hass avocados, that we will ensure continued government support, as quality seedlings are expensive for small-holder farmers. This crop could serve as a stepping stone for transitioning small-holder farming into commercial one,” he said.
David Muhumuza, the chairperson of the National Avocado Federation of Uganda, expressed concern about Uganda’s low avocado income compared to its regional neighbours.
Uganda earns only $200,000 from avocado exports, while Tanzania generates $1b and Kenya earns $3b.
“Uganda has the best environment for growing Hass avocado, yet we are earning much less. With collaboration from all stakeholders, we can achieve much more,” he said.
Muhumuza added: Unlike previous crops like moringa and aloe vera, Hass avocado already has over five different oils, similar to olive oil and the export market is vast.” Dr Samuel Mugasi, the executive director of NAADS, explained that the event was designed to bring together stakeholders in the Hass avocado value chain to share experiences and highlight the crop’s potential to transform Uganda’s economy.
“When we first started promoting Hass avocado farming in Uganda, many were skeptical, thinking it could end up like other crops. However, it has proven to have the potential to put money in the pockets of farmers. Currently, we meet less than 20% of the demand, meaning the potential is high,” he said.
Agronomic practices
The profitability of Hass avocado depends on how well orchards are managed to achieve optimal weight and appearance, which are key to appealing to export markets.
Martin Nyakone, an agronomist with Avocare, trained farmers on the soil nutritional needs and health management of Hass avocado plants to ensure optimum production.
“Avocado is a sensitive tree. If you give it what it needs, it will reward you. There are no miracles in agriculture. During flowering, apply fertilizer high in boron, calcium, and potassium. When the fruit starts to form, use foliar fertilizer, rich in calcium,” he advised.
To combat pests, including false codling moth, whiteflies, fruit flies, mosquito bugs and caterpillars, Nyakone recommends applying the recommended insecticides.
He also suggested using traps to monitor pest levels and applying insecticides and fungicides as needed. “Pinching” is also crucial for ensuring fruit quality.
This involves removing the bud at the branch tip to encourage the growth of multiple branches rather than vertical growth, while also providing shade for the fruits to protect them from sunburn.
Nyakone also advised farmers to train their trees while still young.
“When the trees are six to seven months old, prune the centre stem and leave three to four branches, allowing the tree to grow to about 2.5 metres. Anything above that should be cut off,” he said.
Hass avocado’s economic potential
Paul Mwambu, the commissioner for crop protection and inspection at the agriculture ministry, highlighted Uganda’s competitive advantages for avocado production.
“Our climate is favourable, our soils are fertile and our strategic location in the heart of Africa gives \ us many trading .. advantages that we can leverage to promote Hass avocado exports and make them profitable,” he said.
Mwambu added that Hass avocado could be profitable for small-holder, medium and large-scale farmers, contributing to wealth creation at the household level and wealth distribution within communities.
“We encourage large-scale farmers to work with small-holder farmers in their vicinity so that they can grow together. Even a smallholder farmer, with just five trees, can make a significant improvement to their income,” Mwambu said.
He added that Hass avocado could also contribute to national revenue and foreign exchange for national development, while enhancing food and nutritional security due to its high nutrient content.
