Local leaders in the southern district of Huye have urged residents to invest in growing avocadoes, a crop they regard as having the potential to transform lives.

Avocadoes are grown by several individuals in the district but the crop is generally reserved for home consumption.

Now authorities are pushing local residents to transform ovacado growing into a profitable business.

To meet the target, the district is investing in avocado nurseries with the aim of availing them to farmers and increasing acreage covered by avocadoes.

So far, local authorities say they have already developed at least 86,000 seeds of crossbreed avocadoes.

This year, the target is to plant avocado trees on an estimated 50 hectares of land across the district, according to the district mayor, Kayiranga Eugene Muzuka.

Emphasis is being put in the areas of Kinazi, Maraba, Ruhashya, Ngoma, Rusatira and Mbazi as their soils have proved to be more suitable for growing avocadoes, the official says.

"Almost every household has an avocado tree reserved for home consumption,” Muzuka says.

"We want to transform ovacado growing into a viable and profitable business and a major source of income for households,” he adds.

Muzuka says the district is working closely with the private sector to establish a processing plant that will purchase avocado produce from farmers–something he says will help provide ready market for their produce.

Though it is not clear when the plant will be established, Muzuka says plans to set it up are underway.

Other officials in the district say the plant might be set up next year.

Avocadoes are valuable fruits cultivated in tropical and mediterranean climates across the world. They are rich in vitamins including vitamin K, C, E and potassium, among other nutrients.

Apart from serving as a staple food, avocadoes can also be processed and made into a variety of products including beauty and cosmetic products, cooking oil and wines, among others.

Apart from promoting avocado, the district is also investing in the growing of selected crops including cassava, rice, maize, banana, beans, soya beans, sunflower and coffee.

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