The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Lira, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Competition coming from oil seeds like sim-sim, sunflower and soya beans are affecting cotton production in Lira sub region.
The sub region, a major producer of cotton started registering a decline in production after the closure of Lira Spinning Mill which provided yarn and textiles for export and created jobs for over 500 cotton farmers in the sub-region.
However, some farmers in the region are still growing the crop up to date although they claim the introduction of sunflower, soya bean and sim-sim growing has greatly affected the production and market for their cotton. Currently, a kilogram of sim-sim costs 7000 shillings, while soya beans costs 3,500 shillings in the open market compared to cotton which costs between shillings 1,500 to 2,000 shillings.
Barnabas Moses, the coordinator Apac District Cotton Development Organization says Apac having fertile land, farmers have resorted to growing sunflower, soya beans and maize which earns them more money unlike cotton.
He believes that reviving Lira spinning mill will boost the price of cotton and in the long run increase its production.
Yokoyani Okello, a cotton grower from Alworoceng in Ibuje sub county, Apac district who says a lot of money has been injected into sunflower and soya bean growing wants government to give them tractors so that they can grow cotton in a large scale.
Meanwhile, Cyprian Orech, a cotton farmer since 1986 says the production of sunflower has led to the collapse of ginneries, which is another challenge affecting cotton growing because without ginneries, there is no market for cotton.
Cotton is one of the traditional cash crops grown in Uganda used both as an export good and as raw material for domestic textile and edible oils.
Currently, there are 54 factories and industries in Lira city which are buying oil seeds from farmers and using them to produce cooking oil and others products for both domestic and commercial sale.
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