In Uganda, oil palm cultivation is expanding through attraction of large commercial farmers and inclusion of local small-scale farmers in setting up new oil palm plantations across the country.
What is oil palm research in Uganda?
Oil palm research in Uganda is spearheaded by the National Crop Resources Research Institute, NaCRRI. It is funded by the government of Uganda and International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD through the National Oil Palm Project, NOPP under the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, MAAIF.
Where does Uganda get its oil from?
In Uganda, half of the oil-seed production meets the demand, while the other half is mainly from crude palm oil imports. Both the locally produced and imported crude palm oil are refined into vegetable oil or used in the manufacture of soaps and detergents.
Who owns the oil palm plantations in Kalangala?
In Kalangala, over 6500 hectares belong to Oil Palm Uganda Limited (OPUL) while over 5000 hectares belong to medium and small-scale farmers.
Is oil palm production suitable in Kalangala?
Oil palm production in Kalangala exceeds 11,000 hectares and has been expanded to the districts of Buvuma and Mayuge. According to adaptability studies, oil palm production is suitable in Masaka, Kibaale, and Kagadi as well.
When did oil palm production begin?
Oil palm production began a few years after early basic agronomic research on adaptability and potential yields levels. At that time, other production constraints such as fertilizer requirements, pests, diseases, and physiological factors were not prioritized.