Oil palm research in Uganda is spearheaded by the National Crop Resources Research Institute, NaCRRI. It is funded by the government of Uganda and International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD through the National Oil Palm Project, NOPP under the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, MAAIF.
Where does Uganda get its oil from?
In Uganda, half of the oil-seed production meets the demand, while the other half is mainly from crude palm oil imports. Both the locally produced and imported crude palm oil are refined into vegetable oil or used in the manufacture of soaps and detergents.
Is oil palm a commercial crop in Uganda?
Research is paramount in regard to identifying and addressing challenges associated with the commercial production of oil palm in Uganda. (Passage originally stated: Oil palm is a novel commercial crop in Uganda and as such, research is paramount in regard to identifying and addressing challenges associated with its production in the country.)
What are the major challenges facing oil palm in Uganda?
In Uganda, Fusarium wilt and Basal stem rot are the major challenges for oil palm production. These diseases have posed a threat to the oil palm industry, which is currently at an infant stage. Fusarium wilt is the most important disease of oil palm in Africa and is particularly notable in replanted fields.