Kampala — WHILE most of Teso is experiencing famine, the abundant citrus fruits in the region could save the population from starvation.

However, there is no sign that these fruits will become a source of income. Instead, families sell them for a song along the main roads through Teso. At the peak of the season, between May and July, a big basket goes for less than sh1,000.

If well maintained, a single mango can earn the owner at least sh500,000 per year.

"Teso is the mango basket of Uganda, but we have to move beyond being that and turn these mangoes into wealth," says George Odeke, a leading farmer in Soroti district.

"Farmers would get more money from added value from which they could buy food for their families," he reasons.

Like other farmers, Odeke says there is a general lack of direction for agriculture. Despite being a leading farmer in Soroti, he has not been visited by extension workers regularly. Citrus farmers in Soroti have lost millions of shillings after their fruits were attacked by pests called fruit flies.

According Odeke, the fruits were attacked more than one year ago. "It may appear good on the surface, but when you cut it, it is rotten," Odeke said.

He has lost sh5m worth of harvests from his farm this year. Odeke calls upon agricultural authorities to interven and help farmers improve their lives.