There are variety of fruits in Uganda which farmers are growing and they include citrus, mangoes, avocado, desert banana, guava and water melon, among others. However farmers across the country seem to neglect growing papaw, also known as papaya, yet it has immense nutritional and health values including its economic value because it is a commercial crop.
As such experts majoring in fruit management are calling upon farmers in Uganda to consider growing pawpaw because it is a relatively easy crop to grow, matures quickly and can offer better returns than other crops with good management.
Pawpaw also thrives in both tropical and subtropical regions and can be intercropped with other crops like beans and pumpkin. Dr Caroline Nankinga from the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NaRL) in Kawanda, who is investigating the pest and disease burden on papaw, notes that not many farmers are growing papaw in the country yet the demand is big. A few farmers from Masaka, Luwero, Mukono, Busoga, Bunyoro, Hoima, Mubende, Mityana, northern Uganda including West Nile are growing the fruit but on small scale.
Background
Pawpaw, also known as papaya and its scientific name Carica papaya, originated from tropical America specifically Mexico and Costa Rica. However, due to its high commercial and nutritional value, fast growth and high yields, the crop spread fast and has become a very popular fruit grown in most tropical regions including Africa and Asia.
The crop also matures fast producing fruits in less than a year and continues to produce for a long period. It was introduced in East Africa by Arab traders and today, India leads in the production of pawpaw with an annual production of over 3 million tonnes. Other major producers of the crop include Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, Philippines, China, Peru, Nigeria and Kenya. Uganda is fast catching up and should soon start exporting significant amounts to put it on the world map.
However Dr Nankinga explains that there is a challenge of papaya mealybug which is native to Central America but has spread rapidly to other regions of the world, invading East Africa between 2015 and 2020 and was detected in Uganda in 2021. The pest has the potential to affect the production and quality of papaya and other economically important host crops and it can devastate a whole crop if left unmanaged.
Varieties
In a publication by experts and farmers, including Evans Mfani of Richfarm in Kenya, a guide for pawpaw farmers identifies the papaya varieties grown across East Africa as follows:
Calina papaya IPB9
This variety originates from Indonesia and is notable for being a true dwarf. It begins to bear fruit when just 30cm tall, matures quickly, and performs well in drought-prone areas with irrigation. The fruits have an attractive red interior and are pleasantly sweet.
Dr Caroline Nankinga from the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NaRL) in Kawanda, who is investigating the pest and disease burden on papaw, notes that not many farmers are growing papaw in the country yet the demand is big. PHOTO/Lominda Afedraru
Solo sunrise
Solo sunrise is a pawpaw variety that has quickly gained popularity among farmers across the country. Those who venture into pawpaw farming often choose this variety due to its exceptional qualities and reliable performance. One of its most attractive features is its early maturity. The Solo sunrise pawpaw tree begins to bear fruit just six months after planting, by which time it typically reaches a height of about one metre.
As it starts fruiting, more flowers continue to develop at the crown, leading to increased fruit production. By the time the tree is one year old, it can carry over 60 fruits. In its second year, production increases significantly, with each tree yielding more than 100 fruits annually. The fruits themselves are small and pear-shaped, with a deep red flesh and a very sweet flavour. Each fruit weighs between 250 and 300 grammes. They also have excellent shelf life—ripe fruits can last up to 14 days without spoiling, making them ideal for both local markets and transport over longer distances.
Red Lady
Red Lady is another impressive pawpaw variety, originally from the Philippines. Known for its high yield, a single tree can produce up to 100 fruits by the second year after transplanting. While it takes slightly longer to mature—about nine months on average—it has a long productive lifespan, consistently bearing fruit for more than five years. The fruits are oval-shaped, sweet, and slightly smaller compared to those of the Calina Papaya (IPB9) variety. This combination of good taste and long-term productivity makes Red Lady a preferred choice for many farmers.
Pawpaw farming as a business
According to a report published under the SBM Project on commercial pawpaw farming in Uganda, the current level of production is still insufficient to meet the growing demand. The report highlights that pawpaw fruits have strong demand both locally and internationally. Consumers enjoy pawpaw in various forms—some eat it fresh, while others prefer using it for blended juices at home or as a dessert option in restaurants and hotels.
Locally, the market price ranges from Shs2,500 to Shs5,000 per fruit, depending on size and quality. The report urges more farmers across Uganda to consider pawpaw farming as a viable source of income and a way to tap into the expanding market opportunities.
Health and nutrition insights
An article published by Entertainment Times, an India-based outlet, explores the numerous health and nutritional benefits of consuming pawpaw (papaya), encouraging both farming and regular consumption of this tropical fruit. The authors highlight that pawpaw is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, offering significant health benefits.
It is an excellent source of essential nutrients, including: Vitamins: High in Vitamin C and A, as well as B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and folate. Minerals: Contains magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. Other nutrients: Includes essential amino acids, dietary fibre, and powerful plant compounds.
