By George Bukenya
In an effort to enhance food security in Uganda and also encourage exportation of food crops, government move to promote increased production of potatoes in the country.
The commissioner in charge of crop production in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Paul Muwamba while addressing Journalists at Uganda Media Centre revealed that in Uganda, the cultivation of potatoes is central to the nation’s agricultural sector and the economy.
He said that this is evidence in the annual production of approximately 1.8 million metric tons and that government will increase its efforts to improve the production of such significant crop and its value addition.
However he said that although production of such crop is steadily increasing due to a need by households to secure food security, Uganda’s exports are still very low and are only 55,412 metric tons of potatoes mainly to neighbouring countries well as imports total to 30,501 metric tons.
Mr. Muwanba highlighted sweet potato as the third most crucial crop in Uganda, following cassava and bananas indicating its significance as the primary crop in the Lake Victoria great region.
The commission who address reporters on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture said that potatoes have a high nutritional value and they are a dependable food source for both rural and urban population particularly during periods of scarcity or pre-harvest.
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma who also addressed reporters in the same press briefing said that although many people disaggregate between what they call Irish potatoes and Sweet potatoes, such food crops may not have a clear distinction.
He encourage farmers to start growing potato for both as food security and for market because there are market potentials in Arabic countries, United Kingdom and USA the only challenge in the transportation factor but this will soon be worked on.
He said that NARO in partnership with key stakeholders, especially the international Potato Centre (CIP) has developed a number of sweet potato and potato varieties that are tolerant and resistant to pests and diseases and are at the same time high yielding and nutritious and suitable for agro processing.
Food Agricultural Organization (FAO) country representative, Dr. Antonio Querido said that potato growing has made a remarkable contribution to agriculture and environment.
“The Potato is not just a staple food for billions of people, it’s essential for food security, livelihood,and employment worldwide.’’ Dr. Antonio said.
He also said that according to the available data, about two-thirds of the world’s population includes potatoes in their diet, showing the widespread reliance on such tuber for nourishment. 374 million tons of potatoes are produced globally on annual basis.
Dr. Antonio also revealed that , the United Nations designated May 30th as the International Day of the Potato with an objective of highlighting the importance of such crop as a staple food crop and their role in combating hunger and poverty. He also said that the day is aimed at raising awareness about the nutritional value of potatoes, promote their potential to achieve food security and support sustainable agricultural practices.
Meanwhile today 30th May 2024 Uganda joined the rest of the world in commemoration of the first International Day of Potato, to raise awareness about the nutritional and economic value of potatoes globally.
According to the commissioner in charge of crop production in the Agriculture Ministry, Uganda will host other Africa potato growing countries to commemorate and Launch of the Africa potato Association Conference in May 2025 at Munyonyo Speke Resort Hotel.