News in Brief:
– Ugandan tea farmers are facing financial hardship due to a sharp decline in tea prices, which has fallen by more than 56%.
– They are urging the government to intervene and implement measures to stabilise the industry.
Tea farmers in Uganda are urging the government to take immediate action to address a drastic decline in tea prices, which threatens the collapse of the entire sector.
The Uganda Tea Authority (UTA) reported a significant drop in the price per kilogram of tea, falling from $1.5 to a mere $0.66. This dramatic decrease has severely impacted the livelihoods of farmers and workers across the country.
Reacting, the UTA Chairman, Gregory Mugabe, stressed the urgency of the situation, requesting the government’s swift intervention to find a lasting solution to the crisis. Appeals in this regard have been for the introduction of measures to stabilise prices, while ensuring long-term sustainability of the tea industry.
Furthermore, the state minister for Agriculture, Bwino Kyakulaga, acknowledged the challenges faced by the tea sub-sector during a recent stakeholder meeting. He expressed government’s commitment to finding solutions. Also, plans are reportedly underway in considering various options, including budgetary interventions.
However, while details on the specific actions the government will take remain unclear, there have been discussions about potential cash bailouts to alleviate immediate financial strain on tea traders.
Also, while the government ponders solutions, farmers are exploring ways to navigate the crisis. Some reports suggest they might be considering scaling back production until market conditions improve.
