The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has expressed increasing concern over the rising number of farmers abandoning vanilla cultivation in favour of more lucrative cash crops like cocoa and coffee.

This shift presents a significant challenge to the ministry’s goal of transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector from subsistence farming to a fully commercialized and export-driven industry, with vanilla playing a crucial role in that transformation.

The issue was raised by State Minister for Agriculture Fred Bwino Kyakulaga during the official launch of the 2025 vanilla harvest season at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala on June 17, 2025.

Kyakulaga pointed out that global disruptions, fluctuating vanilla prices, overproduction, and climate-induced challenges in major vanilla-producing countries like Madagascar are influencing farmers’ decisions to move away from vanilla cultivation.

“Vanilla remains a volatile commodity,” he emphasized.

Despite these challenges, Kyakulaga reassured that Uganda’s vanilla sector remains resilient, demonstrating promising growth and significant export potential.

“In 2024, Uganda exported 604 metric tons of vanilla, earning USD 16.6 million, an increase from 266 metric tons in 2023,” Kyakulaga noted.

Kyakulaga also noted that, according to the Bank of Uganda, Uganda has maintained its position as the world’s second-largest vanilla producer for two consecutive years.

He further highlighted government interventions aimed at strengthening the vanilla sector, and these include promoting value addition through the use of vanilla in cosmetics, beverages, and other products; securing international markets; and enforcing quality control measures.

As Uganda enters the 2025 vanilla harvest season, MAAIF remains focused on supporting farmers through these challenges, fostering innovation, and diversifying the sector. The ministry is committed to ensuring that vanilla continues to play a key role in Uganda’s agricultural export strategy.