By John Masaba
A local investor has urged the Government to support growth of more mangoes, citing increased demand for its products such as juice.
Hajji Yasser Ahmed, the co-founder and chairman of Hariss International, particularly wants the kakumi variety of mangoes to be prioritized.
“We sent a variety of mangoes to Europe for testing, however, only the variety known as kakumi was selected as being suitable,” he said on Thursday.
“Therefore, your Excellency, we implore you to direct Kawanda Agricultural Research Centre and other agencies to give farmers kakumi mangoes seedlings so they can plant more,” he said
“More research should also be carried out on other varieties, which are good for juice processing.”
Ahmed was speaking during the launch of the company’s Mpererwe beverage plant in Kampala.
The event was presided over by Vice-President Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Museveni as the guest of honour.
Ahmed hailed Museveni for the favourable policies of his government for his company’s epic development.
He announced that this has been reciprocated through the creation of jobs, which he said now number 2,000 directly and 5,000 indirectly.
Constructed at an estimated $100m (sh367b), Hariss International manufactures juices, water and sweets, among other products.
Ahmed said the company has grown from a small contributor in taxes of sh40b to now sh150b.
Part of its story of success has been hinged on innovation, hard work, and uncompromising pursuit of quality in all production lines.
In return, he said they have earned the trust of the market, not only locally but also in the region.
