Kampala — THE Uganda Commercial Aloe-Vera Farmers Association has procured a new machine worth $300,000 (about Shs500 million) to process the crop.

The Project Director, Mr Ali Sessanga told Daily Monitor recently that the association had partnered with a US-based firm and a local NGO to procure the machine that processes the multi-medicinal plant into various health products and cosmetics.

"The new machine will help us to process Aloe-Vera into products such as cosmetic products, tooth paste and health drinks while the residues would be turned into animal feeds," he said.

He said the machine, which is the first in the country, would provide the market for the crop, which has been a problem for farmers. The products will be exported to Japan, Korea and other countries.

The crop is grown in 26 districts but mostly in Kibale, Wakiso, Mukono, Masaka, Kiboga and Luwero.

Uganda's Aloe-Vera acreage coverage is about 380 hectares (912 acres), which could fetch the country as much as Shs9.1 billion annually.

The machine is to be installed at their head offices Old Kampala this month.

Additionally, Mr Sessanga said they will soon start exporting Aloe-Vera flowers to Sudan where they are on high demand for making 'Aloe-Vera Herbal Tea.