Coffee farmers in the two sub-counties Buginyanya and Bumugibole in Bulambuli district have expressed concerns over the increasing prevalence of coffee berry disease (CBD).
Farmers say that the disease is significantly hindering coffee yields and markets.
Coffee berry disease is caused by a fungal plant pathogen. It is the most predominant disease in Arabica coffee growing areas. The disease causes dark necrosis in spots also causing the green berries of coffee to drop prematurely.
Justine Gimei, a coffee farmer from Buginyanya line village in Sub-County, says that the disease has significantly affected their expected output. “The situation is alarming coupled with the expensive prices of pesticides which the majority of the farmers cannot afford, so we are asking the District Agricultural Office to come to our rescue,” says Gimei.
Bwoyilisa Beth, another coffee farmer from Bumasifwa village in Bumugibole Sub-County, said that the rate of infection is worrying, and coupled with family needs, farmers are forced to harvest coffee prematurely at low prices.
James Songo, the LCIII Chairperson Buginyanya, acknowledged that coffee farmers are counting losses because no buyer is willing to take the products.
According to Songo, one kilogram of raw coffee in the rural areas where the disease has affected costs 2,000 shillings as opposed to the previous season’s price which was 5,000 shillings.
Songo has urged the districts in the Bugisu region to step in and save the coffee farmers from the disease since coffee planting is mainly the source of their livelihood income.
Bulambuli District Extension Officer, Fuugo Rogers, acknowledged that CBD is now common and the district Agricultural team is taking steps to control the spread.
He has also challenged farmers to stick to coffee management procedures that give coffee its ability to have a quality yield.
“Sometimes, farmers don’t give argent attention to CBD, and when it gets rampant they start to realize that something needs to be then which is not the case in coffee management,” he said. He added “Farmers should focus on coffee planting, production and management so as to increase their household income.
-URN
