RC commends local investor for boosting avocado production

BUKOBA: KAGERA Regional Commissioner (RC) Fatma Mwassa has applauded the efforts of the Bukoba Investment Group (BIG) in promoting avocado farming as a strategic move to enhance the region’s economy.

Speaking over the weekend during the launch of a 75-acre avocado farm in Muyenje Village, Muleba District, the RC, represented by Deputy Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mr Bwai Biseko, commended BIG’s initiatives and reaffirmed the government’s readiness to collaborate with the group.

“After visiting the farm at Muyenje, I am impressed by the progress made by Bukoba Investment Group. The government is committed to offering the necessary support,” said Mr Biseko.

He urged agricultural extension officers to increase engagement with local farmers by providing technical advice to help boost avocado yields.

Highlighting the potential of avocado farming in Kagera, Mr Biseko noted that during the 2023/2024 season, the region produced 9,800 tonnes of avocados, with 1,425 registered farmers.

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Among Kagera’s eight councils, Ngara District leads with 5,000 tonnes of avocado production.

BIG Board Chairman, Mr Mike Nshangeki, informed officials that the group currently consists of 250 members, including members from the diaspora.

To date, the group has invested 296m/- in avocado projects, 50 acres in Muyenje Village and 25 acres in Buyaga Village.

He revealed that BIG has disbursed loans totalling 3.339bn/- to support agricultural initiatives and has an ambitious plan to expand avocado production to 1,000 acres within the next ten years.

Mr Nshangeki also outlined several challenges hindering the group’s operations, including: Shortage of suitable agricultural land, inconsistent access to reliable electricity, high costs of constructing irrigation water ponds and lack of cold storage facilities.

To address sustainability and boost smallholder participation, he said BIG is establishing an avocado out-grower scheme, multiplying improved Hass avocado varieties and distributing them to farmers at subsidized prices.