Banana Value Addition & Our Impact
Empowering farmers, creating green jobs, and transforming rural economies through sustainable banana processing and value addition.
14 tonnes
Daily processing capacity
1B+ UGX
Annual product sales
24 acres
Training facility
4 markets
Local, EAC, Europe, Middle East
Empowering Smallholder Farmers Through Banana Value Addition
BIRDC serves as a guaranteed market for smallholder banana farmers in the Bushenyi district and beyond. Through banana value addition — converting raw matooke into banana flour, banana powder, and other products — we create a sustainable income pipeline for rural communities.
Our farmer extension programme at the Nyaruzinga facility has trained hundreds of farmers in modern agronomic techniques, dramatically improving their yields and livelihoods.
Tooke Clubs in Schools
BIRDC partners with schools across Uganda to establish Tooke Clubs — nurturing the next generation's appreciation for agricultural science and banana value addition.
These clubs teach students about nutrition, food science, and entrepreneurship, creating a pipeline of future agricultural innovators.
Market Presence
Uganda
Retail outlets, supermarkets, and institutional buyers across the country
East Africa
Growing presence in Kenya, Tanzania, and the wider EAC region
Europe
Health food markets with products tested to EU standards
Middle East
Expanding distribution in the Gulf states
Awards & Achievements
BIRDC has been recognised at national and international levels for its contributions to agricultural research, food innovation, and rural economic development. Backed by Presidential patronage, our work demonstrates how targeted agricultural R&D can spark industrial transformation in Uganda.
Our commitment to sustainable, circular economy practices has earned accolades from government bodies, industry partners, and development organisations alike. From our semi-automated factory in Bushenyi to our quality assurance laboratory in Kampala, every aspect of our operation reflects a dedication to excellence.
Discover our premium Tooke products or learn about the science behind our innovations. Browse our photo gallery to see our work in action.
Circular Economy: From Banana Flour to Banana Fiber
BIRDC embraces a zero-waste philosophy throughout the banana value chain. Beyond producing premium banana flour, banana powder, and baked goods, we process banana stems and leaves into high-quality banana fiber (banana fibre) paper and other sustainable materials, ensuring every part of the plant contributes economic value through complete banana value addition.
This circular economy approach to banana processing not only reduces environmental impact but also creates additional revenue streams for farmers and local communities. From matooke flour production to banana fiber extraction, our model serves as a blueprint for sustainable agro-industrial development across East Africa.
Join Our Mission
Partner with BIRDC to create lasting impact through banana value addition in Uganda and beyond. Whether you are a farmer, banana researcher, banana flour distributor, or government partner, there is a place for you in our mission.