In Uganda, commercial oil palm cultivation began in 2005 in Bugala Islands. Seedlings were imported from countries with established breeding programs. These seedlings were grown in areas with different environmental conditions which have resulted in a number of physiological disorders. The aim of this research was to
Are new areas suitable for oil palm production in Uganda?
But with increasing demand for vegetable oils in Uganda more areas for oil palm production are required. A study was conducted to identify new areas suitable for oil palm production. The experiment was super-imposed on 45 × 45 m plots in 3-year old oil palm plantations in Bugiri, Buvuma, Kibaale and Masaka.
When did oil palm grow in Uganda?
First conceived in the 1970s, oil palm growing in Uganda only gained traction after OPUL came on board in 2003, under a $100 million project sponsored by the International Fund for Agricultural Development IFAD. Uganda consumes 550,000 tonnes of vegetable oil annually.
How many hectares will Uganda need under oil palm?
OPUL¡¯s Damanik said Uganda will need 100,000ha under oil palm if it is to fully substitute its palm oil imports at the current consumption rates. He adds that such production can only be achieved through oil palm because of its higher yield of oil compared with other crops, which would require a lot more land.