Farmers urged to improve product quality to tap into global markets

Government has urged Ugandan farmers and livestock keepers to increase production and improve the quality of their products to meet international standards and take advantage of growing opportunities in global markets.

KAMPALA — Farmers and livestock keepers have been urged to improve the quality and quantity of their agricultural products if Uganda is to increase its share of international markets.

The call was made by State Minister for Animal Industry Bright Rwamirama during celebrations marking 40 years of Heifer International’s support to farmers and livestock keepers in Uganda.

The event, held in Kampala, brought together farmers and livestock keepers from different parts of the country to celebrate gains in agricultural and livestock production, including improved productivity, household incomes and access to markets.

Rwamirama said farmers seeking to access international markets must focus on producing sufficient quantities while meeting the quality and safety standards required by buyers.

“Improve the quality and the quantity of your products to meet the global market,” Rwamirama said.

He said government remains committed to working with Heifer International and other development partners to strengthen Uganda’s agricultural sector and make it more productive, competitive, inclusive and resilient to climate change.

The minister said improving production and quality would not only benefit farmers but also enable Uganda to compete more effectively in regional and international markets.

Heifer International's country director said limited access to markets remains one of the major challenges facing smallholder farmers despite their contribution to Uganda's agricultural economy.

The organisation said it plans to expand its support to farmers, particularly those involved in horticulture and the production of groundnuts, soybeans and maize.

Heifer International said its programmes are aimed at helping smallholder farmers increase productivity and incomes, build resilience and access markets across key value chains, including dairy, beef, poultry, oilseeds and horticulture.

However, farmers attending the celebrations said inadequate access to quality agricultural inputs and equipment continues to limit their ability to increase production and meet market requirements.

They cited difficulties in accessing appropriate agricultural drugs, quality inputs and machinery among the challenges affecting productivity and product quality.

The farmers called for stronger government support to enable them to access modern agricultural technologies, quality inputs and machinery.

They said such support would help them increase production, improve the quality of their products and compete more effectively in both domestic and international markets.