Edward Juuko a farmer from Masaka displays his organic products during the end of year party for organic farmers in Muyenga, a Kampala suburb. Photo by Francis Emorut
Uganda tops African countries in the production and exportation of organic products. This is according to International Federation for Organic Movement (IFOAM) based in Germany.

The value of organic products export rose from $4m (about sh11b ) in 2003 to $44m (about sh121b) in 2013 in the latest released data.

“This is impressive growth,” Chariton Namuwoza, the chief of value chains and programme with National Organic Agriculture Movement of Uganda said.

He was speaking to the New Vision on the side-lines of the end of party for organic farmers in Muyenga, a Kampala suburb on Saturday.

Namuwoza attributed Uganda’s performance to its having a high number of certified organic farmers as well as favourable climate and good soil.

He explained that Uganda takes the lead in organic farming next to India at global level.

Organic farming is not traditional farming, but it integrates modern and traditional knowledge for sustainable farming systems.

He said organic farming is the way to go because it’s free from genetic modification.

He advised farmers from Masindi, Mubende, Nakasongola, Luwero and Masaka to maintain high quality that meets international standards.

Namuwoza underlined the importance of organic farming as more profitable.

“Organic food can’t be grown with genetically engineered seeds.

“Other advantages of organic farming are nontoxic chemicals applied which increases biodiversity,” she said.

13.12.2014

Source: www.newvision.co.ug