The Irish potato farmers and sellers in Kigezi sub-region have been hit hard by significant price fluctuations, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. Over the past few months, prices have steadily declined, raising widespread concern among farmers and market sellers.
Initially, a basin of Irish potatoes cost between Shs25,000 and Shs30,000, but current market prices have plummeted to between Shs15,000 and Shs18,000 per basin.
Similarly, the price of a sack of Irish potatoes has dropped from Shs200,000–Shs300,000 to Shs150,000–Shs180,000.
This price volatility has had a devastating impact on farmers and sellers, many of whom depend on the crop as their primary source of income. Reduced prices have left some operating at a loss.
Denis Mwesigyere, an Irish potato farmer in Nyabumba Cell, Katenga Parish, Kabale District, noted that the market is flooded with different types of potatoes, forcing local farmers to lower their prices.
He explained that the investment required during planting season is high, yet returns remain low.
“When we cultivate, we buy Irish potato seedlings at a high price, but during harvest, we are forced to sell at a loss. It’s challenging to sell a sack of seedlings at Shs 80,000 when you bought it for Shs 250,000,” Mwesigyere said.
Charles Byarugaba, an Irish potato seed farmer, attributed the fluctuating prices to the poor quality of some seedlings and the rising number of farmers in the market, including those from neighboring Kenya.
“The number of farmers growing Irish potatoes has increased, with some exporting from Kenya. Even potatoes transported from Mbale to Kigezi markets affect the local produce,” Byarugaba explained.
Price fluctuations not only hurt farmers and sellers but also have the potential to affect consumers, who may face reduced access to this staple food.