Butebo, Pallisa, Bukedea cassava farmers demand govt action over drop in prices
A walk through the rural landscapes of Butebo, Bukedea, and Pallisa districts reveals an overwhelming presence of cassava gardens stretching across vast lands.
For many households, cassava is more than just a staple food, it is a primary source of income. However, farmers are now grappling with financial losses due to the low farm-gate prices offered by buyers.
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Farmers in these districts invest heavily in cassava production, spending significant amounts on land rental, plowing, buying stems, and weeding.
Samuel Semut, a cassava farmer from Amusala village in Butebo district, broke down the costs.
"Land rental Shs 100,000 per acre, Ploughing twice, Shs 80,000, Cassava stems, eight bags at Shs 20,000 each at shs160,000, weeding three times per acre usually at shs150,000."
Despite these expenses, Lukonge Starch Factory is purchasing fresh cassava at only Shs 100 per kilogram, a price that farmers say is far too low to sustain their livelihoods.
"A farmer can sell an entire cassava garden and still fail to raise school fees for their children. This is the hardship many families here are facing," lamented Marks Okwapit, another farmer.
Frustrated by the low prices, farmers recently stormed Lukonge Cassava Starch Factory demanding an explanation.
Their inquiry revealed that the factory’s hands are tied due to government tax policies.
"We came here to find out why the price is so low, only to be told that the government has not removed the tax on starch, despite the president’s promise," said George William Atum, chairperson of the Cassava Farmers Association.
According to Atum, factory management assured them that if the tax on locally produced starch is lifted, they could double the price to Shs 200 per kilogram.
Elly Wabwire, the production manager at Lukonge Starch Factory, emphasized that the biggest challenge is unfair competition from imported starch, which enters the country without being taxed.
"We hosted the president here and informed him of our challenges. The biggest issue is that our competitors import starch without paying import duties. If the government taxes imported starch, it will help us compete favorably in the market," Wabwire explained.
With cassava being the backbone of the local economy, farmers are now urging President Museveni to fulfill his pledge of lifting taxes on locally produced starch.
They believe this will create a level playing field, allowing the factory to offer better prices and improve their livelihoods.
As the planting season approaches, many farmers remain uncertain about their future in cassava farming. Without a price increase, they fear the economic strain could force them out of production, threatening both food security and household incomes in the region.
