The Minister for Agriculture, Frank Tumwebaze has flagged off Uganda’s first export of canned pineapples to the Chinese market.
The inaugural shipment, consisting of 104 metric tonnes of canned pineapples, was flagged off for export to China by Deshiburg Company, a key investor operating within the Uganda-China Agriculture Cooperation Industrial Park.
Deshiburg is the first company in Uganda to establish a dedicated pineapple canning facility. The factory has a processing capacity of 500 tonnes per day and is expected to significantly boost value addition and reduce post-harvest losses among pineapple farmers.
For years, pineapple farmers in Uganda have struggled with limited markets and post-harvest losses due to the perishable nature of the crop, particularly during peak harvest seasons.
“The excuses of no markets for agricultural produce are no more with this revolution of agro-industrialisation,” Tumwebaze said during the flag-off ceremony.
The minister noted that while agro-processing industries are increasingly creating demand for agricultural produce, farmers must now focus on sustainable production to meet industrial needs.
He called on local political leaders and agricultural extension workers to mobilise farmers toward what he described as “intentional farming” — a production approach aimed at supplying specific agro-industrial raw materials consistently and sustainably.
“This huge proliferation of agro-industries sends one clear message to farmers: produce, produce and produce more,” Tumwebaze said.
According to the minister, intentional farming should focus on targeted production that meets the quality and quantity standards required by industrial processors, ensuring a steady year-round supply of raw materials and adherence to international food safety standards.
He further encouraged farmers to produce for household food security, domestic and regional markets, as well as international export markets.
The export shipment is being viewed as a significant step in Uganda’s transition from exporting raw agricultural products to value-added commodities aimed at global markets.
Government officials say the development is expected to create new opportunities for farmers in Luwero District and other pineapple-growing areas by expanding access to stable and international markets.
