The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) in Uganda is set to intensify inspection controls for avocado, banana, and pineapples, classifying them as high-risk commodities alongside hot pepper, chili, and garden eggs. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of these exports, which are significant to Uganda's agricultural sector. The Department of Crop Inspection and Certification will oversee the implementation of these measures.
During the inauguration of Victoria Horticultural Exporters, Alexander Samula, a senior officer at MAAIF, highlighted the importance of upgrading crop quality standards for both local and international markets. He noted the shift in the traceability regime, which will now cover the entire production process, emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration to maintain quality from the farm level.
Samula acknowledged the financial implications of compliance, advocating for a synergistic approach between the government and exporters to ensure cost-effectiveness. This approach is aimed at facilitating mandatory compliance and market-driven regulatory requirements, focusing on traceability through a lead farmer approach.
Hassan Miiro, Managing Director of Victoria Horticultural Exports Limited, expressed concerns over the limited availability of export-quality produce, attributing this to inadequate awareness among farmers, poor agricultural practices, and reliance on the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS). In response, the company is engaging with agro-input dealers to improve product quality, with projects commencing in Masaka.
Source: independent.co.ug