New Chilly Varieties To Bolster Exports, Income

Oct 29, 2002

USAID-funded Investment in Developing Export Agriculture (IDEA) project recently introduced new varieties of chillies from Europe and Asia.

By Macrines Nyapendi
USAID-funded Investment in Developing Export Agriculture (IDEA) project recently introduced new varieties of chillies from Europe and Asia.
Steve New, the horticulture advisor at the at the IDEA project told the New Vision recently that the chillies will increase production which will enable Ugandan exporters satisfy the ever growing demand on the world market.
Mairye and Mubuku were the first commercial farms to acquire the chillies that are doing well.
The new varieties were imported from Taiwan, California, Thailand and Europe, mature within 10-12 weeks after being transplanted, this depends on the variety.
The chillies can yield a maximum of 25 metric tonnes per hectare and a minimum of 8 tons depending on the variety.
Mairye estates are famous for its speciality in chillies and roses. The Estate is one of the members of the Euro-retailer produce working group (EUREP GAP); the UK based protocol for fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Retailers are sourcing globally and are facing an increased competition and pressure on profitability and an ever tightening regulatory environment,” Muhamood Hudda said.
“Retailers formed a protocol group that is aimed at protecting them and the suppliers,” he said.
By the end of 2003, United Kingdom supermarkets will only source from producers who are either EUREP accredit or working towards some accreditation.
Mairye exports between 17-20 tonnes of chillies per week, one ton of party pans, courgettes, okra and tayer. The values are set to increase to about 22 tons and above per week starting January 2003. The new varieties will also be available.
A ton of fresh chillies goes for between US$750 and US$2000 FOB depending on the market, origin and variety. Uganda’s main markets for horticultural produce are the United Kingdom, Holland and France.
The varieties on trial at Mairye are Sherry bomb (18-20tons/ha), Scotch bonnet (12), Short Thai (25), Fresno supreme (15), Jalopena (8), Fresno standard (18) and Maestro (15).
The other varieties are Cayenne12, `inferno, Pusa jwala maestro, Pusa jwala kodian hot, Cayenne orange TZ and Cayenne.Ends

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