In the face of plummeting prices for both green leaf and processed tea in Uganda's auction market, farmers are left frustrated and contemplating uprooting their crops.
With a kilo of green leaf fetching as little as shs200 (less than a dollar), the industry faces a dire situation.
Kituzi Farm Company Ltd's Executive Director, Ariho Moses, warns against uprooting the tea crop, emphasizing its significance as a crucial raw material for beverage companies, including Kituzi Farm.
Moses urges the government to address the challenges faced by farmers amid the ongoing crisis.
While pleas for a comprehensive tea policy persist, the government's response remains elusive.
Moses, after a procession drive in Mbarara city, calls on the government to prioritize resolving issues plaguing farmers.
Amidst the turmoil, beekeepers and mushroom growers receive encouragement to maintain their farming models, ensuring a consistent supply of raw materials with a ready market.
Recognizing the vital role of farmers, Kituzi Farm Company has rewarded around 20,000 farmers in the region with gifts, including cars, cows, and fridges.