The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The low prices of Vanilla has left farmers and exporters worried.
In 2004, vanilla prices fell from about 150,000 shillings a kilogram to 1,000 shillings. This was the worst in the history of vanilla growing, forcing many farmers to cut down the plants and abandon the business.
Currently, the farm gate price of the crop has fallen from 270, 000 shillings in the last harvesting season that ended in January this year, to 180,000 shillings. A kilogram of cured vanilla has reduce from USD 600 (about 2.2 million shillings) to USD 400 (about 1.48 million) and the prices are expected to drop further.
According to Retired Maj. Alex Baguma, the Operation Wealth Creation – OWC liaisons officer for Vanilla in the country, the drop of prices has been as a result of a surge of production in Madagascar, the leading growers of Vanilla in the world.
He says that what had caused the prices to shoot up was the cyclone that had hit the Island nation in the previous two years destroying vanilla gardens. This, according to Baguma, led to a decrease in supply and an eventual increase in the prices.
Robinson Karumba, a vanilla farmer in Ntoroko district, says that they are worried that the fall in prices could make them fail to recover the money that he put in the business and as a result suffer losses.
According to Africa-Uganda-business-travel-guide.com, who are among the leading exporters of Ugandan vanilla, the fallen prices are a threat to the business.
“As the producing countries are spreading out farming, prices are likely to decline further. But it will not go down to the level of $25/kg witnessed in 2007-08,” reads a post on their website.
Globally, Madagascar leads in vanilla exports with 1,600 tons per year followed by Indonesia and France. Uganda comes in at 12th position with export revenue of USD 5.7 million, according to the latest (2016) statistics.
Earlier this year, the Uganda Export Promotions Board said the country is targeting to export 100 tons of vanilla this year, from about 75 tons exported last year.
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I’m a vanilla farmer based in Mukono. I see no reason why Farmers should worry about price fall for Vanilla. This is a golden plant. The best thing is not to put your expectations too high.
I have set my goals to 50,000 shs per KG of fresh beans – so even when it drops to 100,000 business will still be good.
Problem with Ugandan farmers is that they always want things to be nice. The curve for business is never straight. I will be happy to buy out people’s vanilla as they shake to close business.
Madgascar will always get these natural disasters and Uganda will always be available to fill up the gap.
As mughete nyakabale vanilla coffee growers cooperative society limited we always tell our farmers to grow vanilla like any other crop which face price fractuation by kule Archangel
Hi am from Kenya would like to know the price of cured vanilla per kg. And how one can buy?
I want to know more about vanilla price and where o buy from the farmers!
Hello,I am interested in learning more about vanilla farming.Anyone wiling can please contact me on sameffy006@gmail.com.
Thanks
As mughete nyakabale vanilla coffee growers cooperative society limited we always tell our farmers to grow vanilla like any other crop which face price fractuation by kule Archangel
Costa masereka mutiba I would like to be an exporter of vanilla any one with an idea can contact me on +256788043695
Hello,I am interested in learning more about vanilla farming.Anyone wiling can please contact me on sameffy006@gmail.com.
Thanks