Soroti Fruit Factory Begins Individual Farmer Registration

The Soroti Fruit Factory has initiated a new process of registering farmers individually, rather than as cooperatives, in an effort to improve planning and marketing strategies.

This shift is aimed at providing the factory with detailed data on who is growing oranges and the volume of their production, ensuring more efficient operations and supply chain management.

According to State Minister for Teso Affairs, Clement Ongalo Obote, this transformation is part of a broader plan to revitalize the factory and make it more beneficial to farmers in the region.

"By registering farmers individually, we can have a clearer picture of production levels, which will help in both planning and marketing," Obote said.

The move is expected to enhance the factory's ability to forecast demand, plan for procurement, and market its products more effectively.

Despite these advancements, Obote emphasised that the factory still faces significant challenges, particularly in securing adequate market access for its products.

He highlighted the high cost of raw materials, which has driven up the cost of production and made it difficult for the factory to compete with cheaper products on the market.

"The cost of producing goods at the factory remains high, largely due to the prices of raw materials. While the changes we've made are promising, the factory will still need substantial support, especially in terms of market access, to truly thrive," Obote noted.

When questioned about potential takeovers by new management or private investors, the minister stated that he was uncertain, as the matter was still awaiting input from the solicitor general and the prime minister.

However the management of Soroti Fruit Factory says there is ongoing efforts to address the technical challenges that have hindered the factory’s production and efficiency., the factory’s leadership revealed that they have been conducting a thorough assessment of the issues and are committed to finding long-term solutions to ensure the facility runs smoothly.

The developments at Soroti Fruit Factory mark a positive step towards revitalising the region's agricultural industry and boosting the livelihoods of local farmers.

The ongoing reforms at the Soroti Fruit Factory, including the shift towards individual farmer registration, signal the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of local farmers and boosting the economic impact of the factory in the region. However, sustained support will be needed to overcome existing hurdles and fully unlock the factory's potential.