Teso Farmers Cultivate Grapefruit, Seeking New Markets

While the Teso region is traditionally known for orange farming, a growing number of farmers are diversifying into grapefruit cultivation. This citrus fruit, a hybrid of pomelo and sweet orange, has garnered attention for its unique varieties, including seedless and seeded options with red and white flesh. These characteristics are influenced by pigments like carotene and lycopene, contributing to the fruit’s appeal.

Farmers interested in growing grapefruit can obtain grafting scions and seedlings from established orchards at NaSARRI in Serere and Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute in Lira. These institutions play a crucial role in multiplying seedlings for broader farmer adoption, ensuring a steady supply for those looking to enter this specialized agricultural sector.

Grapefruit is recognized for its high juice content and potential medicinal benefits, including being a good source of Vitamin C, dietary fibre, folate, and potassium. It is also low in calories and contains antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage. Despite these advantages, the market for grapefruit in Uganda remains specialized, as many local consumers are unfamiliar with the fruit.

Some farmers, like James Oriokot of Eden Farm Products in Amuria District, have successfully cultivated grapefruit on five-acre plots. Oriokot identified a market among Korean and Chinese expatriates working in the region and sees potential for export. He notes that a single grapefruit tree can yield over 30 fruits, which fetch a good price, and he also propagates seedlings for sale to other farmers. The fruit matures within two years, offering a relatively quick return on investment.

Grapefruit was first introduced to Uganda in the 1990s by agricultural scientists from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with initial development occurring at the National Agricultural Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI). While not currently a priority crop for government research, its cultivation is permitted if farmers can secure a market, and it is maintained as valuable germplasm for future agricultural development.

https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/teso-farmers-revamp-grapefruit-growing-5632666