Farming amidst Covid-19
Eggs are among many agricultural products that have been severely affected by price fluctuation. PHOTO/NMG
What you need to know:
- Every bad situation creates opportunities, the farmers that are stuck with their products can now think of investing energies in value addition.
Agriculture is among the most hit sectors since Covid-19 emerged some two years ago.
Countries world over announced lockdowns as a mitigating factor to curb the spread of the deadly virus. With several countries enduring wave after wave, Uganda was not spared.
A second lockdown to last 42 days was announced last month. Since the pronouncement by President Museveni, like other sectors, farmers are stuck with their produce.
The suspension of public transport especially buses has curtailed the movement of farmers from district to district. Hitherto, the farmers used to enjoy the inter-district market.
For example, a dairy farmer from western Uganda would sell their milk in major towns including Kampala, Masaka and Mpigi among others and earn more.
Though it is still possible, the amount of milk such a farmer will sell today has reduced majorly because their market is under lockdown.
Dairy farmers make a killing selling milk to schools and market dwellers. And because of uncertainties that come with lockdowns, people are also not willing to spend their money.
Value addition
Every bad situation creates opportunities, the farmers that are stuck with their products can now think of investing energies in value addition. Value addition adds a big shelf life to products.
With a price for a tray of eggs dropping to as low as Shs6,000 from Shs10,000, farmers can avoid losses by making egg powder. Egg powder is a dried egg product with a similar texture to milk powder.
Dried eggs are the complete eggs, the egg white or the yolk, dried to a powder. It still retains its nutritious elements such as proteins, minerals, and calcium, and has added advantage of improving food consistency and thickening.
In contrast to shelled eggs that are easily broken and perishable, egg powder has a longer shelf life. A farmer can sell egg powder throughout the year.
Farmers can also add value to their banana by making animal feeds. Like last year, the prices of banana have started dropping.
*Written by Charles Tabu
