There were reports of high demand for produce at border points especially Busia where volumes of trade were registered especially for beans, maize and millet. Huge volumes of assorted beans were recorded throughout the week to the tune of between 1300MT-2500MT daily. In the maize sector, approximately 300-500MT were traded daily throughout the week. Several traders were reported on the market demanding for especially beans.
There is an indication of increased productivity for most staples in this market compared to last year’s records. At this time last year, the border market received maize back from Kenya into Uganda from the Kitali harvest at a price lower than Uganda’s. At the same time, this border market received millet, then, from Ethiopia. When compared, the current prices are lower than the previous year.
Good quality maize was purchased at Ksh.24/kg (Ugx.770) while Fair quality at Ksh.23.7/kg (Ugx.760). The least acceptable quality usually for animal feeds cost Ksh.23.5/kg (Ugx.754) Variation in price during the week was due to fluctuation in the forex rate. Trading went on throughout the week to Sunday where 700MT were registered during the compilation of this report.
Several varieties were delivered to Busia border market from a number of production locations. Rosecoco beans were delivered from Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Kagadi and Kibaale at Ksh.47/kg (Ugx.1508). Green beans were delivered from Mbarara at a cost of Ksh.55/kg (Ugx.1765). Yellow beans cost Ksh.78/kg (Ugx.2503) while Sugar beans were offered at Ksh.85/kg (Uggx.2728). Mixed beans and Red Wailimu beans cost Ksh.35/kg (Ugx.1123) and Ksh.52/kg (Ugx.1670) respectively. Nambaale beans cost Ksh.78/kg (Ugx.2503). The intake of assorted beans into this market is increasing by the day.
In Kampala, the maize price stabilized at Ugx.800/kg and several traders are reported stocking for other agencies around Kisenyi market. Most of the grain was purchased by the millers. The quality continues to be affected by rain currently received. Most of the harvest has been sold off at a cheaper price compared to last year’s price at this time. Stockists are believed to have considerable stock that may collide with the newly harvested grain.
In the northern region, maize cost Ugx.600-700/kg in Gulu while in Lira it was much cheaper at Ugx.500-600/kg. Kenyan traders were reported buying maize and beans in Lira. Newly harvested maize was reported in Mbale at Ugx.650/kg and in Tororo at Ugx.600/kg.
Maize was bought at Mutukula border post heading to Tanzania at Ugx.750-800/kg. Several transit traders consolidated maize and beans in the western region heading to this border market. In Rakai, maize was bought at Ugx.650-700/kg. Maize was registered at a low price in such production areas as Masindi at Ugx.600-700/kg, Kiboga-Kyankwanzi at Ugx.550/kg, Mubende at Ugx.650-670/kg and Soroti at Ugx.600/kg.
A number of transit traders purchased high quality maize in Kamwenge and the surrounding districts heading to Bunagana border destined to DRC Congo at Ugx.770-800/kg. Others bought mixed beans and maize at Ugx.1850/kg and Ugx.1250/kg respectively destined for Rwanda via the same border point. The traders, however, noted that the taxes levied on this produce was high between border points. They also noted that Rwanda’s grain harvest would be ready in January 2021 therefore can only supply to this market during December.
The Irish potato harvest opened in Mbale-Wanale and Kapchorwa. A 100kg bag of sorted large tubers was offered at Ugx.80,000-85000 in Wanale. Medium sized tubers cost cheaper at Ugx.80.000 for a 100kg bag weighing 100kgs. In Kapchorwa, a 100kg bag of Irish potatoes was offered at Ugx. 80,000. In the western region, Kabale was going through a minor harvesting season and offered Irish potatoes at Ugx.150,000-160,000 per sack weighing 120kgs. The major season is around the corner and should be on in December/January. Farmgain Africa
We need to complete the value with the list of the off-takers, so that farmers can get organized