Govt sets vanilla harvesting dates, farmers tipped on quality
According to communication from the line ministry, harvesting of mature beans will commence on June 29th and run until September 29th of this year.
Julius Rukara, the Kasese District principal, agricultural officers, urging farmers to harvest mature vanilla beans to maintain quality. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)
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Franco Kiiza, the Kasese District Crop Quality Officer, has unveiled that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has opened the vanilla harvesting period for Season A in 2026.
Speaking to the New Vision online yesterday (Friday, June 26, 2026) while in Kasese Municipality, Kiiza clarified that, according to communication from the line ministry, harvesting of mature beans will commence on June 29th and run until September 29th of this year.
"Initially, we have been impounding sacks of vanilla from culprits who harvested before the recommended time, and this we did to avoid compromising the quality of the crop, as well as avoiding black markets," Kiiza said.
One of the vanilla gardens in Rukoki sub-county of Kasese District with beans pending to be harvested. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)Julius Rukara, the Kasese District principal, agricultural officers, urging farmers to harvest mature vanilla beans to maintain quality (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)
However, he cautioned farmers against picking immature vanilla beans, warning that any culprits will be apprehended and subsequently charged, adding that the practice compromises the quality of the cash crop, hence affecting the prices of Ugandan vanilla at the international market.
Julius Rukara, the Kasese District principal agricultural officer, warned the middlemen against luring farmers into harvesting immature vanilla beans with the intention of increasing their sales, explaining that such practices also affect the country, especially in the international market.
"Keep it in mind that once we fake the quality of our vanilla at the international market, the effect is largely felt by you, the farmers," Rukara emphasized.
Kasese is a premier hub for vanilla cultivation in Uganda, renowned for producing exceptional Planifolia beans on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains. The region enforces strict regulations and authorised harvest windows to maintain quality, with expected farm-gate prices for mature green vanilla averaging around sh14,000 to sh20,000 per kilogram.