According to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Uganda exports 40,000 to 50,000 metric tons of rice to South Sudan, DR Congo, Kenya and some Middle East countries.
At the continental level, rice constitutes a major part of the diet. During the last three decades, rice has seen consistent increases in demand.
With the exception of a few countries that have attained self-sufficiency in rice production, rice demand exceeds production. Large quantities are imported to meet local demand at a huge cost.
Africa consumes a total of 11.6 million tons of milled rice per year, of which 3.3 million tons are imported. Uganda is now concentrating on local farmers to boost rice production in all regions, including the planting of new variety of upland rice which does not require swampy areas.
Watch this feature by Press TV’s correspondent in Kampala, Daniel Arapmoi to find out more.
KQ/NN