Uganda’s Leading Flower exporter Rosebud Ltd has received international Fair-trade certification, which means that their flowers can now be sold in all major flower markets across the world. The trade off for Fair-trade certification is that the farm’s workers earn a percentage off every flower that is sold.
This year so far, the fair trade proceeds are Shs450m. Of this amount, Shs250m has been used to procure mattresses for 2,000 employees from 10 villages around the Namulanda Community where the farm is located. The items were handed over to ecstatic employees by Ruparelia Group Managing Director, Rajiv Ruparelia, yesterday.
“We now have International certification, which means Uganda now exports quality flowers to all major markets. We have also attained fair trade standards which means we sell at good values which benefits the country and our workforce,” Rajiv Ruparelia said of the development.
Rosebud was founded by business mogul Sudhir Ruparelia. In the year 2000, the farm sat on 13 hectares but has now grown to 60 hectares and exports over 150 million roses annually.
Rajiv says there are plans in the works for further expansion.
“The market abroad is very big. Even if we increase the acreage of our farms we will not satisfy the entire market. This means we need to increase productivity using good farm practices that we have used for many years. If you work hard we shall all benefit as a family,” he told the workers.
He called for unity and hard work emphasising the need to amicably address any disagreements that may arise.
“We are a family and trust me your interest is our interest. We are all in this together to ensure your livelihoods are improved…That you can take your children to school and have a good life. So lets work hard together to achieve together,” he told the workers.