Iron-Rich Rice to Be Introduced in Uganda.

(From New Vision (Uganda) - AAGM)

Byline: Josephine Maseruka

Rice is the staple food of more than half the world's population and about four-fifth is produced by small scale farmers for consumption.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, about one billion households depend on rice for their livelihood. During the last decade, rice had also become the most widely grown food source in sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa's rice production could surpass 20 million tonnes this year for the first time and this could reduce on rice imports, which were at nine million tonnes in 2005.

In East Africa, lifestyles have changed the eating habits of most people. They are now eating more rice than any other food. Uganda spends $99m annually on rice imports. This might increase due to the high demand. Uganda imports 60,000 tonnes of rice annually. The amount is higher because of the additional locally produced …