THE proposed allocation of part of the Mabira Forest Reserve to the Mehta Group for sugarcane growing will grossly affect exports and production of high value spices, according to sources in Uganda. Universal Foods, a subsidiary of the Fourways Group, has a well established farm comprising cardamom and black pepper at the site that is sought after by the Sugar Corporation of Uganda. A Uganda Export Promotions Board official said cardamom prices on the international market range from $6,000 and $6,500 a tonne depending on the origin and the grade. The officer said eroding Uganda's supply is catastrophic to the industry. "Cardamom, pepper and vanilla are some of the high value spices in the country. A tonne of black pepper fetches $3,100 while white pepper goes for between $3,700 and $4,100," the official disclosed... Read More