Uganda’s fruit and vegetable exports maintained a growth curve amidst the pandemic in 2020. Still, traders insist they are loss making and need tangible support from government. According to the latest data from the Bank of Uganda, the country exported 83.5 million tons of fruits and vegetables worth $45 million in 2020 compared to 68.8 million tons worth $36 million in the previous year. The increase in exports during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown year is a surprise to sector analysts and industry players. Still, many small growers complain that they get frustrated when buyers report that part of their produce is rejected in the outside market because they do not meet market standards.
Other challenges affecting farmers are drought, price fluctuation and transport. Part of the solutions is that the government should support organised farmers by offering them credit facilities, extension services, access to inputs and irrigation services. According to global research firm Allied Market Research, the organic fruits and vegetables market is projected to reach $55.86 billion globally by 2027 owed to consumer awareness about healthy diet, increase in purchasing power and changes in lifestyle and food habits.