Uganda has been grappling with the production of this highly sought-after product, with a surge in global demand last year exacerbated by a conflict in Ukraine, one of the world's leading vegetable oil producers. Uganda produces 80,000 metric tons of vegetable oil annually, while official data indicates a requirement of 410,000 metric tons of vegetable oil to meet domestic demand. The National Oilseeds Project (NOSP), one of government's initiatives, supports oilseed farmers by promoting value addition and infrastructure development, including the construction of Community Access Roads. The project focuses on augmenting the production and productivity of oilseeds and their by-products, particularly oil cake, through efficient input utilisation, mechanisation, and private sector-led expansion. The project, under the stewardship of Christopher Gumisiriza, pledges to support farmers by providing them with improved seeds and technologies that can elevate the value of oilseed and vegetable oil production.

Source: Daily Nation September 19, 2023 20:16 UTC