Tooro searches for market for its bananas

NAKABUYE SHEILAH

The Omukama of Tooro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV yesterday sealed a partnership between his kingdom and the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) in Bushenyi as a means of expanding the market for bananas.

PIBID is a pilot project of the government and its underlying theory of change is that rural farmers with access to science led-processing and value addition enterprises will be able to rapidly access profitable market chains that supply local, regional and international markets resulting in increased house hold income.

Following complaints of exploitation of banana farmers in Kabarole by middlemen, the Oyo stepped in to find market for the surplus bananas produced in the area.

Oyo said while farmers have injected efforts in the agricultural sector, not many have seen the fruits they expect hence the need for leaders to always step in and support them.

The kingdom is now set to work hand in hand with the farmers to ensure that bananas are pulled together through a co-operative society.

The partnership comes at a time when Oyo is traversing the country to benchmark good farming practices that can be transplanted to Tooro.

PIBID officials said partnerships with kingdoms like Tooro will be instrumental in the fast growth of the initiative.