Signaling a return from Uganda’s biggest foreign exchange into the export market, Vanilla exports have registered an increase. The surge retuned from Shs41 to Shs49b, which indicates a growth in 2021.
Mr Kato Pito, the Kilembe Vanilla Exporters chief executive officer, said this shift could have scared Uganda’s investors and others, and its not surprise that they are now looking for alternative sources of vanilla.
Bank of Uganda indicates the 2022 exports surpassed the Shs16b average earning from vanilla exports in the last 10 years. The increase could have been a result of a recent cyclone in Madagascar,which damaged the country’s vanilla economy.
After, a massive boom in 90s, due to a storm in Madagascar,its production ravaged.unfortunately, its farmers have abandoned vanilla due to the experienced massive slump
It has been noted that Uganda is largely exporting vanilla extracts that are lower in quality.The low quality is attributed to premature harvest and poor post-harvest handling.
Mr Kyakulaga said for Uganda to maintain the current export momentum, quality must be guaranteed through stakeholder engagements and provision of necessary infrastructure, research, and training by government.
NOTE:
Uganda is the third largest exporter of vanilla in Africa, behind Madagascar and Reunion Island, and seventh globally.
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