IBANDA — Security authorities in Ibanda District have arrested a man found in possession of 12 sacks of premature vanilla during an operation targeting illegal harvesting and trade in the high-value crop.
The suspect, identified only as Kule, was arrested in Bisheshe Division following intelligence reports from members of the community.
According to Ibanda Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Mbetegyereize, the operation was launched after residents alerted authorities about suspicious activities involving vanilla believed to have been harvested before maturity.
"We received information from community members regarding suspicious activities involving premature vanilla. Security conducted an operation and recovered 12 sacks of immature vanilla from the suspect," Mbetegyereize told Nile Post on Tuesday.
Authorities said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb vanilla theft and premature harvesting, practices that continue to undermine farmers' earnings and affect the quality of Uganda's vanilla exports.
Ibanda District Agricultural Officer Robertson Muhangi warned that harvesting vanilla before it matures significantly reduces its quality and market value.
"Premature harvesting leads to poor-quality vanilla, which eventually affects its competitiveness and market price. Farmers should ensure that they harvest only mature vanilla if they want to earn better returns," Muhangi said.
He noted that increasing cases of theft have forced many farmers to invest heavily in guarding their plantations, raising production costs and reducing profitability.
"Farmers are spending more resources guarding their vanilla plantations, yet some still end up making lower returns because of theft and poor harvesting practices," he added.
To protect the sector and maintain quality standards, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), working with local governments and export associations, continues to enforce regulations governing the harvesting, transportation and trade of vanilla.
Under national vanilla harvest guidelines, MAAIF annually declares official harvesting windows, typically beginning in mid-June for the first season and mid-December for the second season. Harvesting, transporting or possessing green and immature vanilla outside these designated periods is prohibited.
Authorities have urged farmers and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of illegal harvesting and trade to security agencies.
The suspect remains detained at Ibanda Central Police Station as investigations continue.
