By : Brenda Acen

More than 1,000 Hass avocado seedlings have been distributed to farmers in Zombo District as part of efforts to tap into the growing local and international market for the high-value crop and contribute to Uganda’s Vision 2040 goal of achieving a middle-income economy.

The initiative, implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, is aimed at promoting commercial avocado production, expanding Uganda’s agricultural export sector and improving household incomes.

One of the beneficiaries, Savior Mak-Kristo, from neighbouring Nebbi District, welcomed the initiative and said he plans to promote Hass avocado production through Qavah Institute, which he manages at Jukia Hill.

“In line with the high demand, as a passionate farmer, I intend to establish a demonstration farm. I believe market linkages will be easier as we work in large numbers when it comes to export,” Mak-Kristo said.

Gilbert Wacal said Hass avocado offers significant nutritional and medicinal benefits, making it an increasingly attractive crop for farmers and consumers.

Meanwhile, Abdul Latif Ocan, an agronomist with Kyeyo Farm Kakiri Ltd, the supplier of the seedlings, urged farmers to obtain genuine Hass avocado seedlings from certified and reputable nurseries to improve production and yields.

Ocan said 10,610 seedlings had been distributed to farmers, taking advantage of the favourable climatic conditions in Zombo, Moyo and other parts of West Nile, characterised by high altitudes and adequate annual rainfall.

He said farmers are also supported throughout the production process, including farm planning, planting, pest and disease management, irrigation, pruning and harvesting.

“We support farmers throughout the journey, from planning and planting to pest management, irrigation, pruning and harvesting,” Ocan said.

Onentho Godfrey Otwi, who serves as chairman of the Uganda Avocado Cooperative Union, Zombo Avocado Growers Cooperative Society Ltd and Northern Uganda Avocado Growers Cooperative Union, said efforts to expand Hass avocado production in the region have been ongoing since 2020.

He said the initiative seeks to increase the number of Hass avocado farmers while providing them with the technical and market support needed to establish a commercially viable industry.

Otwi noted that although Hass avocado originated in North America, the crop is now widely produced in countries including Chile, Peru, Kenya and Tanzania.

The latest distribution is expected to benefit 26 farmers in West Nile, with the crop providing opportunities beyond food consumption, including potential use in the cosmetics industry.

Hass avocado typically begins producing fruit within about two to three years, depending on farm management and growing conditions.

Otwi encouraged farmers who missed the current distribution to remain hopeful, saying efforts are underway to secure support for a larger rollout targeting one million Hass avocado seedlings. “To those who have missed out, there is an ongoing lobby to roll out a target of one million Hass avocado seedlings in the near future so that more farmers can get on board,” Otwi said.

Hass avocado is valued for its relatively high fat content, which gives the fruit its rich taste and creamy texture. The variety is also highly popular on the international market and is widely grown for commercial export.

Uganda’s avocado sector has increasingly attracted attention from international markets, with Hass avocado emerging as one of the varieties offering farmers opportunities to increase household incomes through high-value commercial agriculture.