Overview & Origins

The Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC) operates under the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) in Uganda. It was established to address the high post-harvest losses in banana production by creating value-added products and supporting an ecosystem of research, commercialization, and farmer engagement. The initiative began in 2005 to transform banana (matooke) from a mainly subsistence crop into one with industrial and commercial uses.

Mission, Vision & Mandate

Mission
To provide farmers and entrepreneurs with access to scientific and technical services, focusing on sustainable banana production, value addition, business development, technology transfer, and quality assurance.

Vision
To build state-of-the-art banana processing enterprises in Uganda, producing competitive, high-value banana products that benefit both local and international markets.

Key Activities & Functions

Value Addition & Product Development: Development of banana-based products, such as banana flour and processed foods.

Research & Innovation: Focused on processing technologies, product stability, and shelf life improvement.

Training & Outreach: Training farmers in post-harvest handling, processing, and quality standards.

Quality Control & Standards: Ensuring products meet food safety and export requirements.

Commercialization: Supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in adopting banana-processing technologies.

Organizational Leadership & Structure

Led by an Executive Director and supported by a governing Board and Management Committee.

Structure includes divisions such as Industrial Technology, Research & Training, Business & Marketing, Value Addition, and Production.

Infrastructure & Locations

The main processing plant and training facility is located in Nyaruzinga, Bushenyi District, Western Uganda.

Offices and administrative functions are based in Kampala.

A Resource Centre provides access to research publications and technical knowledge for stakeholders.

Products

Raw Tooke Flour – flour from green bananas, suitable for baking and food processing.

Instant Tooke Flour – pre-cooked flour for faster preparation and easier blending.

Tooke-branded products – including bread, cakes, biscuits, and other baked goods derived from banana flour.

Challenges

Scaling operations from pilot projects to large-scale commercialization.

Ensuring consistent raw material supply from smallholder farmers.

Post-harvest losses due to perishability of bananas.

Meeting stringent food safety and export standards.

Limited funding for research and industrial expansion.

Impacts of climate change and crop diseases.

Developing sustainable markets and driving consumer acceptance.

Recent Initiatives

Supporting banana cooperatives with financial and technical assistance to adapt to climate change.

Introducing innovative risk-mitigation measures such as picture-based insurance for farmers.

Expanding outreach and partnerships to strengthen value chains and export potential.