Government to expand palm oil growing
Dec 15, 2009
THE Government plans to extend the growing of oil producing palm trees to districts outside Kalangala. Currently, the trees are only grown in Bugala islands in Kalangala district.
By Patrick Jaramogi
THE Government plans to extend the growing of oil producing palm trees to districts outside Kalangala.
Currently, the trees are only grown in Bugala islands in Kalangala district.
A study has indicated that palm oil trees can also grow in Mukono, Mayuge, Oyam, Amolatar, Dokolo and Bundibugyo districts.
Local government leaders, meeting at a workshop funded by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala recently, recommended that the second phase of the project to be extended to some districts in the mainland.
The IFAD interim evaluation report indicated significant success in eradicating poverty and increasing incomes among households where the project is being undertaken.
Ambassador Charles Walimbwa, the Manafwa chairperson, said: “As local leaders, we have seen the impact of this project. It has empowered our people and helped fight poverty. It should now be focused on the mainland.â€
Margaret Kakande, an official in the finance ministry, said the total cost of the first phase had gone up to $156m.
Connie Magomu Masaba, the coordinator, said the project is in line with the Government policy of import substitution and export diversification.
Agriculture remains a key sector although its share of GDP and its growth rate has been declining over the last two years. In 2007, it accounted for 50% of exports, while in 2008 it reduced to 38%.
Present at the workshop were chairpersons and chief administrative officers from mainly northern and eastern Uganda, as well as Masindi and Kalangala districts.
THE Government plans to extend the growing of oil producing palm trees to districts outside Kalangala.
Currently, the trees are only grown in Bugala islands in Kalangala district.
A study has indicated that palm oil trees can also grow in Mukono, Mayuge, Oyam, Amolatar, Dokolo and Bundibugyo districts.
Local government leaders, meeting at a workshop funded by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala recently, recommended that the second phase of the project to be extended to some districts in the mainland.
The IFAD interim evaluation report indicated significant success in eradicating poverty and increasing incomes among households where the project is being undertaken.
Ambassador Charles Walimbwa, the Manafwa chairperson, said: “As local leaders, we have seen the impact of this project. It has empowered our people and helped fight poverty. It should now be focused on the mainland.â€
Margaret Kakande, an official in the finance ministry, said the total cost of the first phase had gone up to $156m.
Connie Magomu Masaba, the coordinator, said the project is in line with the Government policy of import substitution and export diversification.
Agriculture remains a key sector although its share of GDP and its growth rate has been declining over the last two years. In 2007, it accounted for 50% of exports, while in 2008 it reduced to 38%.
Present at the workshop were chairpersons and chief administrative officers from mainly northern and eastern Uganda, as well as Masindi and Kalangala districts.