Dairy revenues surge to Shs51b
Animal Industry minister Bright Rwamirama (C) tries out one of the machines at the launch of the National Dairy Laboratory in Kampala last week. Looking on is laboratory technician Julius Wandera and Dairy Development Authority chairperson Bernadette Katureebe. PHOTO BY RACHEL MABALA
What you need to know:
Development attributed to expanded markets in Middle East countries, Comesa.
Earnings from dairy exports have now reached Shs50 billion, a feat the government largely attributes to its liberalisation policies.
According to the Minister of agriculture in charge of animal industry, Mr Bright Rwamirama, the spirit in the dairy sector is running high, signifying the beginning of more fortunes to be harvested in the lucrative sector.
“Our dairy export is now in the range of $20 billion (about Shs51 billion) from $13 million (about Shs33 billion) last year, and we are looking to surpass that figure by next year around this time,” Mr Rwamirama told the Daily Monitor in an interview.
Expanded market
By March last year, the earnings were standing at Shs30 billion up from nearly Shs9 billion the year before.
The surge in export earnings according to industry players and sector analysts is due to the expanded markets in the gulf (Middle East) countries, and the extended regional markets which now include the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) member states.
Speaking at the national dairy quality awards last week in Kampala, state minister for Privatisation Aston Kajara said the dairy earning growths is attributed to an improved investment climate and the liberalisation of the sector, an initiative that has been solely executed by the government.
“The livestock sub-sector has maintained a steady growth rate of 3 per cent per annum, and this is because of among others the government’s good policies,” Mr Kajara said.
According to the sector regulator (DDA) is lhere has been so much milk and Ugandan dairy products have been subsequently exported to South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and DR Congo. Other destinations include the Powder milk to Syria, Nigeria and Mauritius among others.
The exports are further boosted by the fact that the major dairy Processors like Pearl Dairy, export nearly most of their products as well Sameer Agricultural and Livestock Ltd and Jesa farm.
