The maize market price gradually increased from Ugx.650/kg where it had stabilized low in Kampala’s major markets for a few weeks. It increased to Ugx.850/kg in Kafumbe Mukasa market but later subsided to Ugx.800-810/kg.
Millers reduced their maize grain intake after realizing that their internal school food purpose requirement was never taking off when a few finalists were called back to school.
The price of maize flour declined to Ugx.65,000 per sack weighing 50kgs at wholesale. Other grains have equally not fetched the usual margins apart from Millet which was until recently harvested in northern Uganda. The millet price was slowly increasing from Ugx.1000/kg in major markets of Northern Uganda.
The general maize price trend is one that has been slow due to lack of demand. The crop yield estimate was good and apparently the soon to open season is expected good because of abundant rainfall in most parts of the country.
The maize price is expected to drop to an unusual price when the second season of the year starts in the near future. Speculators are predicting very low market price similar to 2018.
At the regional cross border market of Busia, reduced supply was reported from within and yet a number of transit traders turned up for grain. An estimated 5,000 metric tonnes of grain was registered via Busia customs formally. Maize was offered at Ksh.22/kg (Ugx.732) to 21.3/kg (Ugx.709). Increased purchasing is expected in the short run when the second season kicks off.
In the beans sector, low prices were reflected in most markets at wholesale. Slow trading was equally reported in most markets where we follow market information. In Owino and Kafumbe-Mukasa markets, Sugar and Yellow beans were preferred at Ugx.3300/kg and Ugx2700/kg respectively. Other bean varieties were offered cheaper. Short Nambale (Nabe) cost Ugx.2100-2000/kg at wholesale while long Nambale at Ugx.1900-1800/kg. Rosecoco (Kahura) beans were offered at Ugx.2100/kg while mixed beans at Ugx.1100-1050/kg. White beans went for Ugx.2000-2100/kg. Green beans from Mbarara were offered at Ugx.2100-2200/kg.
More trading for beans was reported at an estimated volume of 1500Mt daily. Good supply of beans was received from all production locations countrywide. Yellow beans were preferred at Ksh.89-90/kg (Ugx.2,963-2,997).
Other varieties demanded included Sugar beans at Ksh.84/kg (2797), Nambale beans at Ksh.57-58/kg (Ugx.1,898-1931), Wailimu beans at Ksh.50/kg (Ugx.1,665) and Mixed beans at Ksh.47/kg (Ugx.1,565) Supply is expected to increase in the near future as harvesting continues.
Notable low price markets included Rakai where Rosecoco beans were offered at Ugx.1500/kg, Masindi and Lira where beans cost Ugx.1800/kg, Kiboga/Kyankwanzi at Ugx.1700/kg and Mbarara.
In the Coffee sector, FAQ coffee was bought at Ugx.3800/kg. The quality is expected to improve when the rains subsides. The demand from the world market is not at its best. Better yields are expected due to normal to above normal rainfall distribution countrywide.
Lower offer price for Arabic coffee is expected this year as a result of increased production amidst low price experienced throughout last year which is considered an off-year.
Farmgain Africa