Uganda, May 16 -- Uganda has exported its first commercial consignment of canned pineapples to China, a move government officials say reflects growing efforts to shift the country's agricultural sector from raw commodity exports to value-added processing.

The inaugural shipment of 104 metric tonnes was flagged off on Thursday at the processing plant of Deshiburg Fruits International Co. Ltd in central Uganda's Luweero, a distirct much known for pineapple growing.

The development comes as authorities intensify agro-industrialisation efforts aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, stabilising produce prices and improving market access for farmers.

Speaking at the launch, outgoing Agriculture Frank Tumwebaze said the factory would create a...