New laboratory to increase milk exports
Apr 15, 2014
Uganda is set earn more from milk exports following the opening of a testing laboratory that meets the International Standards (ISO) 17025 and International Dairy Federation requirements.
By Prossy Nandudu
Uganda is set earn more from milk exports following the opening of a testing laboratory that meets the International Standards (ISO) 17025 and International Dairy Federation requirements.
The laboratory located at Lugogo will test milk for both local consumption and for export, a senior laboratory technician, Julius Wandera said.
Wandera said there was need to have a milk testing laboratory because those in milk producing areas such as western region could not handle the growing investments in the sector.
In the past the sector had few players hence less production for both local and international markets.
Wandera was addressing the media at the opening of the milk testing laboratory at Lugogo, which coincided with the annual dairy awards held in Kampala.
Speaking at the awards giving ceremony, the minister of state for investment, Aston Kajara said the sector has grown due to innovations.
Kajara said that a total of over 1.86 billion litres of milk are produced annually which has also increased the number of the processors to more than 45 plants.
He also said that milk exports increased from 13 million dollars last year to 20 million dollars this year adding that the government is now focusing on value addition to expand the market.
Uganda’s milk products are now demanded by East African countries, India, Mautritius and Middle East among others.