Participants at a NAADS sensitisation meeting
The National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAADS) has decided to enhance specialized extension services to support the cultivation of high-value crops, specifically Hass Avocado and Macadamia nuts. This initiative seeks to address the limitations of the previous nucleus farmer model, which relied on large-scale farmers to provide technical support and had largely replaced traditional extension services.
Currently, Uganda produces only 10 metric tons of Hass Avocado, far short of the 65 metric tons required by local avocado oil producers. The global market for this crop is valued at over USD 18 billion, yet Uganda earns less than USD 500,000 in export revenue.
Sam Mugasi, the NAADS Executive Director, stated that the decision to intensify extension services is aimed at ensuring a constant flow of information across the entire value chain. He emphasized that lessons learned from the nucleus farmer model have been incorporated to involve other players in boosting these crops.
Mugasi reassured farmers that there is a readily available market for these crops both locally and internationally and that NAADS plans to promote fruit consumption within homes. Mugasi also noted that NAADS is better organized this time compared to past efforts with crops like vanilla and moringa, which did not meet expectations.
He acknowledged the challenge of low prices but believed that forming cooperatives could help address this issue. Training for extension workers for these crops has already begun in the Busoga region and will be expanded to other parts of the country.
Mustafa Batt, the director of Musubi Farm in Mayuge District and one of the nucleus farmers working with NAADS, believes that Hass Avocado has the potential to transform Uganda’s agricultural economy and improve household incomes due to its growing global consumption. He stressed the importance of supporting its agronomy and encouraged Ugandans to embrace Hass Avocado farming, citing that an acre can yield between 12 to 35 million Shillings annually.
Joy Mukayire, the chairperson of the Busoga Avocado Farmers Co-operative Union, highlighted that the future of Hass Avocado farming depends on the provision of extension services. She noted that many farmers struggle with the crop’s technical requirements, especially during its early stages, leading to significant losses. Mukayire revealed plans to employ a dedicated extension worker for their cooperative to reduce losses and improve support for their community.
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