President Yoweri Museveni has warned small-scale farmers against planting tea, saying the crop needs a lot of land and resources to make good money.
The President gave this advice during a big meeting with tea farmers, processors, and nursery operators at Bushenyi Main Stadium. The event was attended by top leaders, including Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, ministers, MPs, and Resident District Commissioners.
The meeting was organized to discuss the problems in the tea sector, such as low market prices and delayed government payments to tea nursery operators.
Museveni explained that crops like tea, coffee, cotton, maize, and sugarcane are not easy businesses for farmers with small land. These crops take time, money, and big land before they give good profits.
“From the start, I told people that tea should only be grown by those with large land,” Museveni said. “For example, when I saw Kabale Diocese planting tea, I advised Bishop Callist Rubaramira that tea farming is better for those with big land.”
He compared the situation to the Bible parable of the sower, saying many people ignore his advice and later face problems:
“When I speak, my words sometimes fall on dry ground. People don’t listen, and that is why we face challenges.”
Farmers at the meeting shared their struggles and asked the government to help increase tea prices and pay nursery operators on time.
Experts say tea farming can be profitable, but only if farmers have at least 10 acres or more for the crop. Those with small land are advised to focus on food crops and high-value short-term crops like fruits and vegetables.
The government is expected to announce new plans for the tea sector, including support for processing factories and better market access.
