From Scepticism to Belief
The Conversion Story
Farmers in Uganda's Elgon region initially rejected Malbec F1. The bulbs were medium, not large like the competition. But through consistent demonstrations, they saw the difference: multiple protective skins, uniform sizing, early maturity, and crucially - sunburn resistance that meant bulbs could stay in the field longer without damage.
Today, Malbec and Chui F1 are the preferred varieties across the region.
Key Crops & Varieties:
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|
Crop |
Variety |
Performance Claim |
|
Onions |
Malbec F1 |
Multiple skins, uniform, early, sunburn resistant |
|
Onions |
Chui F1 |
Outperforming competitor Jambar F1 |
|
Onions |
Red Coach |
Lowland adaptation |
|
Growth Crops |
Tomatoes, Pumpkin, Hot Chilli |
Emerging potential |
Geographic & Production Context:
- High Altitude: Elgon region (Bulambuli, Bududa, Namisindwa), Southwest (Rukiga, Kisoro) - Cool, high rainfall
- Low Altitude: Northern (Gulu, Arua), Central, Southwest (Kisoro district only) - Warm, different disease pressure
- Production Context: High altitude cool conditions vs. low altitude warm conditions
