Onion farmers from the district of Rukiga in Western Uganda have tagged the sharp drop in prices on a number of factors including massive importation of onions from neighboring countries. Onions in Rukiga district are mostly grown in areas Karorwa and Nyakasiro in Bukinda Sub-county, Ibumba, Kahama, and Kahanda in Rwamucucu sub-county, and Nyakitabire in Muhanga Town Council.
According to several farmers, a lot more onions are being imported into the Ugandan market from countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This, they say, has affected the local market and led to losses by the Ugandan producers with a kilogram dropping from Shs 4.000 to Ugx 1.500. Additionally, the farmers say, a plot of onions that was previously sold Ugx 500.000 is currently being negotiable between 150. 000 to Ugx 200.000.
These farmers are also worried about the rising commodity prices that have affected their productivity, with pesticides being among the top of these problematic commodities.
Source: chimpreports.com